SEND Tribunals Lead

SEND TRIBUNALS LEAD 

SEND TRIBUNALS, MEDIATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS TEAM

£57,402 - £60,573 per annum

Permanent – full time

Hybrid – Newham Dockside

Deadline for applications: 28.06.2026

At Newham we are ambitious for our children and young people with additional needs. Our aim is to make Newham the best place for all to live, learn and thrive; building on our inclusive ethos of inclusion and putting children and families at the heart of everything we do. We’re determined and driven towards creating a centre of practice excellence supporting children and young people with SEND, where no child is left behind.

Newham is a diverse borough and we are committed to our workforce being representative of the families that we work with. We are taking concerted, meaningful and intentional action to develop an inclusive culture because we believe this is at the heart of enabling diversity in all respects, including diversity of thought. We challenge all forms of discrimination and injustice to help make Newham a fairer and more equitable place to live, learn and work. 

Newham’s children need support from colleagues who:

• Are child centred and knowledgeable about issues affecting children with additional needs.
• Empathetic in their thinking, and towards our families.
• Driven and determined to improve quality of life for children and families.
• Focused on inclusivity and providing opportunities for children and young people with SEND.
• Value diversity and the future; we are one of London’s youngest, most diverse Boroughs – and proud!

Does this sound like you? Apply now and join us.

ABOUT THE JOB

The SEND Tribunals Lead will provide key leadership, representation and case management to ensure that the Council discharges its responsibilities effectively in relation to statutory appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST), which is part of his Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).

The post holder will be working on behalf of the LA to ensure that all legal obligations are met in the resolution of SEND cases, you will prepare and submit evidence for the tribunal process and represent the local authority in legal settings and ensuring that outcomes are legally compliant and in the best interest of the child or young person.

SEND Tribunal Officers are experts in SEND law, working to resolve disputes amicably where possible but preparing for formal hearings when necessary. Their goal is to ensure that all parties involved are heard and that legal requirements are met throughout the tribunal process.

Provide advice on learning/case law from previous lower and upper tier tribunals in order to limit the local authority’s exposure to risk of appeals, litigation and judicial review/complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

To find out more and prepare your application please read the job description.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for a conscientious individual who is dedicated to tackling disproportionality and passionate about working to the best interest of our children and young people who live with disability. A fair and balanced outlook is essential to this role as we look to build a Fairer Newham for all.

Candidates will need to meet the following (minimum) criteria in their application to be shortlisted:

• To hold a relevant qualification (e.g., teaching, law, social work) and have considerable experience of case management of SEND tribunals, complaints or mediation.
• Significant experience in the SEND sector.
• Extensive knowledge of current legislation, research, policies and guidance and its implications for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
• Extensive knowledge and proven track record of successfully applying SEND Law and SEND Code of Practice.
• Extensive knowledge of, and proven ability of working successfully in, the SEN appeals process to Tribunal. 
• excellent communicators, capable of working with families, schools, and legal professionals to navigate complex cases.
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks

TO APPLY

Please submit a CV and supporting statement through our recruitment portal. The supporting statement should demonstrate how you meet the relevant requirements listed above and in the person specification.

Please view JD here

Closing date: 3rd July 2026

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.