SEND Tribunal and Resolutions Officer

Posting date:	12 July 2025
Salary:	£341.36 per day
Additional salary information:	per day PAYE
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	10 August 2025
Location:	Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 3NR
Company:	Triumph Consultants Ltd
Job type:	Temporary
Job reference:	Stoke 5272264

Summary

What's involved with this role:

Job Title: SEND Tribunal and Resolutions Officer

Ref: Stoke 5272264

Pay rate: £341.36 per day PAYE



Hybrid working

An Enhanced DBS is required for this role



The role:

We are seeking an experienced and competent SEND Tribunal and Resolutions Officer to ensure that the Council discharges its responsibilities effectively, and in a timely manner, in relation to statutory appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST), which is part of her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).

You will represent the Local Authority at the tribunal to defend the appropriateness of the proposed service provision for an individual child or young person.

You will work with young people, parents and carers, education settings and other stakeholders, to resolve disputes at the earliest possible opportunity, including through formal mediation and dispute resolution processes, ensuring that the local authority continues to take the learning from these cases to shape future service delivery and decision making.



Key responsibilities:

Gather and organise information to support the Local Authority in disputes over special educational needs support
Prepare tribunal cases in collaboration with the Statutory Assessment Manager, Senior Casework Officers, and SEND Team staff
Draft chronologies and required documents for the Tribunal Service, ensuring timely and appropriate distribution
Identify and support witnesses throughout the tribunal process to ensure they are well-prepared and can present effective evidence
Arrange and chair witness conferences, and manage evidence submissions to First and Upper Tier Tribunals
Represent the Local Authority at SEND Tribunals, defending proposed support arrangements for an individual, including against parent advocate, legal representatives or barristers
Coordinate and manage mediation and dispute resolution processes related to SEND tribunals, attending meetings and leading on follow-up actions
Attend resolution meetings with families and professionals to settle issues outside formal legal proceedings, including negotiating changes to EHC plans
Develop creative solutions through collaboration and negotiation with stakeholders to resolve disputes early
Represent the Statutory Assessment Team in meetings with parents, schools, and providers, including chairing when required
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes and reduce the risk of tribunal appeals
Promote early mediation and problem-solving in casework to minimise tribunal cases
Provide coaching and training to staff and partners, promoting best practices and statutory guidance
Ensure the accuracy and upkeep of the digital case management system to support timely and reliable reporting
Help improve Assessment and Planning team practices to reduce the risk of appeals, legal action, and complaints



What the client is looking for:

Level 5 qualification in a relevant field or significant equivalent experience
In depth knowledge and understanding of current SEN legislation and reform, statutory procedures and processes
Knowledge and understanding of the impact of SEND on children and young people’s educational outcomes
Ability to provide advice and support to EHC caseworkers with regard to complex cases
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of special education needs additional support in schools and colleges, legislation and financial framework
Knowledge of the legal framework with regard to first tier tribunal and experience of representing at first tier tribunal
Significant knowledge of complex disability and SEN needs with regard to implementation of the matrix
The ability to interpret professional advice, including health and social care
Ability to provide specialised advice in the context of the code of practice to parents and to contribute towards planning and preparation for mediation and SEN and disability tribunals
Ability to support in the development of policy and strategy with regard to EHC
Understanding of how to implement statutory duties in a multi-disciplinary context and the SEN Code of Practice.
Well-developed negotiation and persuasive skills with proven ability to liaise, negotiate and influence a wide range of partners on critical decisions and actions
Working knowledge of current local and central government context and general issues within special education.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including drafting correspondence and reports within a legal context
Proficient in Microsoft Office and specific IT software such as Capita One



How to Apply

Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application.
Submit your CV in Word format.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended.



We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles.



If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us.

Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for.



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Job Ref: Stoke 5272264


Anticipated Length of Assignment: Unless otherwise stated (we do carry the occasional permanent vacancy) all of our roles are technically temporary, though opening assignments can be and often are, extended by clients on a longer term basis and can sometimes become permanent.

Please do try to resist contacting us with requests for progress updates.

We really do read every CV sent to us. All applications will be acknowledged by a human, not a robot, provided the job remains live and provided your CV meets the “Essential Requirements” listed.

Please note that we do our level best to take down ads as soon as roles have been filled. We are not in the business of harvesting CVs.

Important: We will interpret your application as being permission to submit your CV to this role (with the right to represent you) unless you advise us to the contrary.