Senior Appeals Officer - Social Care Qualified
| Posting date: | 24 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £400 to £544.8 per day |
| Additional salary information: | £400 PAYE / £544.80 Umbrella per day |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 03 March 2026 |
| Location: | Nottingham, Nottinghamshire |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Neway International Ltd |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | OR23766 |
Summary
Senior Appeals Officer (HAY BD C) – Social Care Qualified
Nottinghamshire County Council
Children and Families Directorate
Remote | Inside IR35 | £400 PAYE / £544.80 Umbrella per day
37 hours per week | 12‑week assignment | Start date: 23 March 2026
Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking an experienced Senior Appeals Officer with substantial expertise in SEND mediation, Tribunal casework and senior-level statutory SEND practice. This temporary role provides critical cover for a vacant post and offers the opportunity to lead complex appeal activity, represent the Local Authority at SENDIST hearings, and oversee high‑level casework within the Children and Families service.
This position is fully remote and requires a qualified social care professional with a strong background in SEND legislation, statutory processes, and multi‑agency partnership working.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on all mediation and Tribunal (SENDIST) activity, including case preparation, evidence gathering and representation on behalf of the Local Authority.
Oversee and manage the statutory EHC assessment, planning and review process for pre‑16 children and young people in line with the Education Act 1996, Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice 2014 and Equality Act 2010.
Ensure children, young people and families are fully included in the EHC process, providing clear information, advice and support to enable meaningful participation.
Develop and maintain strong partnership working across education, health, social care and third‑sector professionals to ensure accurate, coordinated and timely assessments and reviews.
Act as the authorised officer for the quality, accuracy and sign‑off of statutory SEND documentation.
Line manage a Locality SEND team, including supervision, performance management, training oversight and allocation of new work.
Monitor team performance against statutory timescales, annual review requirements and partnership expectations.
Hold a small caseload of the most complex cases, providing expert guidance to SEND Caseworkers and multi‑agency professionals.
Lead on SEND development within the locality, offering advice and practical guidance to schools and partner agencies.
Contribute to monitoring outcomes for children and young people with SEND, ensuring the effectiveness of provision and supporting school improvement activity.
Respond to complaints, Judicial Review enquiries and LGSO investigations, preparing accurate information and evidence.
Represent the Local Authority at mediation, Tribunal and resolution meetings, ensuring robust evidence and compliance with legal deadlines.
Oversee phase transfers, EOTAS cases, elective home education oversight and children not receiving full education entitlement.
Maintain accurate case records, escalate concerns appropriately and support the Team Manager as required, including covering the EHC Assessment Team Manager role in their absence.
Drive continuous improvement in EHCP quality through quality assurance activity and contribution to the wider departmental QA framework.
Requirements
Significant experience in SEND mediation and Tribunal representation.
Strong understanding of statutory SEND legislation and processes.
Experience managing complex casework and leading SEND teams.
Ability to work collaboratively with families, schools and multi‑agency partners.
High‑level analytical, communication and decision‑making skills.
Qualified social care professional.
Nottinghamshire County Council
Children and Families Directorate
Remote | Inside IR35 | £400 PAYE / £544.80 Umbrella per day
37 hours per week | 12‑week assignment | Start date: 23 March 2026
Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking an experienced Senior Appeals Officer with substantial expertise in SEND mediation, Tribunal casework and senior-level statutory SEND practice. This temporary role provides critical cover for a vacant post and offers the opportunity to lead complex appeal activity, represent the Local Authority at SENDIST hearings, and oversee high‑level casework within the Children and Families service.
This position is fully remote and requires a qualified social care professional with a strong background in SEND legislation, statutory processes, and multi‑agency partnership working.
Key Responsibilities
Lead on all mediation and Tribunal (SENDIST) activity, including case preparation, evidence gathering and representation on behalf of the Local Authority.
Oversee and manage the statutory EHC assessment, planning and review process for pre‑16 children and young people in line with the Education Act 1996, Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice 2014 and Equality Act 2010.
Ensure children, young people and families are fully included in the EHC process, providing clear information, advice and support to enable meaningful participation.
Develop and maintain strong partnership working across education, health, social care and third‑sector professionals to ensure accurate, coordinated and timely assessments and reviews.
Act as the authorised officer for the quality, accuracy and sign‑off of statutory SEND documentation.
Line manage a Locality SEND team, including supervision, performance management, training oversight and allocation of new work.
Monitor team performance against statutory timescales, annual review requirements and partnership expectations.
Hold a small caseload of the most complex cases, providing expert guidance to SEND Caseworkers and multi‑agency professionals.
Lead on SEND development within the locality, offering advice and practical guidance to schools and partner agencies.
Contribute to monitoring outcomes for children and young people with SEND, ensuring the effectiveness of provision and supporting school improvement activity.
Respond to complaints, Judicial Review enquiries and LGSO investigations, preparing accurate information and evidence.
Represent the Local Authority at mediation, Tribunal and resolution meetings, ensuring robust evidence and compliance with legal deadlines.
Oversee phase transfers, EOTAS cases, elective home education oversight and children not receiving full education entitlement.
Maintain accurate case records, escalate concerns appropriately and support the Team Manager as required, including covering the EHC Assessment Team Manager role in their absence.
Drive continuous improvement in EHCP quality through quality assurance activity and contribution to the wider departmental QA framework.
Requirements
Significant experience in SEND mediation and Tribunal representation.
Strong understanding of statutory SEND legislation and processes.
Experience managing complex casework and leading SEND teams.
Ability to work collaboratively with families, schools and multi‑agency partners.
High‑level analytical, communication and decision‑making skills.
Qualified social care professional.