Head of Sen Transport

Job Information

Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us

We are responsible for the entire range of children’s education, health and social care services in all three boroughs. We use a Signs of Safety practice model and approach which ensures the voice of the child is at the heart of everything we do. There’s never been a better time to join AfC, we are growing our workforce, implementing new flexible working arrangements and have increased our virtual wellbeing offer.
- Have a proven track record as a strategic leader within the public sector, with direct experience leading commissioning services for children and families.
- Significant experience managing a fleet-based transport service with a focus on compliance, while building strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including children, young people, and families.
- Sound business and commercial acumen, knowledge of statutory legislation and national policy drivers affecting children's services

About the role

In this dynamic and modern role, you will have overall responsibility for all SEN transport functions within AfC, managing the Kingston and Richmond ‘in-house’ depot services and staff, as well as the team based at the Guildhall Office in Kingston, responsible for eligibility and all SEND commissioned taxi services. You will explore innovative solutions to transport problems and have an appetite for commercialisation of services to generate income.

As our Head of SEN Transport, you will manage a team of professionals, including two Depot Managers, a Transport Operations Manager, and a Training and Compliance Manager. With an approximate fleet of 80 drivers and passenger assistants, and a team of 4 members focused on commissioned taxis and eligibility, you will ensure that our £6m service continues to evolve to deliver safe and secure transport services to some of the most vulnerable children in the two Boroughs.

About you

You will maintain high-quality service delivery, ensuring that standards are met and maintained while building on the culture of improvement. You will be the gateway to managing demand through the implementation of the two councils’ eligibility policies, identifying and delivering improved processes that will deliver operational efficiencies and reduce costs.

About our benefits

We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:

- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years.
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Stable and supportive leadership
- Hybrid and mobile working (between home and work) with latest technology to facilitate this
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway

To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children

Important Information

**Right to work**: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.

**Safeguarding**: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).