Head of Service (SEND)

Lead with Purpose. Inspire Innovation. Make a Difference.

2025 is a year of change and opportunity! Southwark Council is seeking a visionary leader to become our next Head of Service for SEND, joining Children and Adults Services at a key moment of transformation. This is your chance to shape inclusive, impactful services that put children and young people at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role:

As Head of Service for SEND, you will drive strategic development across Southwark’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities service. You will:

• Support the Assistant Director SEND in delivering service improvements and strategic initiatives.
• Lead and manage casework, assessment and administration teams.
• Oversee tribunals, complaints and Members Enquiries relating to SEND.
• Take operational responsibility for the day-to-day management of the SEND Team.
• Lead partnerships with schools, colleges, parents and health partners to develop inclusive provision and practice.

This is a brilliant opportunity to influence services at a borough-wide level, embedding innovation and excellence while creating a supportive environment for children and young people.

About You:

We are looking for a professional who:

• Has significant experience in SEND service management or senior leadership within children’s services.
• Thrives in a collaborative, partnership-focused environment.
• Can lead operational teams effectively while contributing to strategic planning.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for children and families and driving inclusive practice.
• Has resilience and initiative.

This role is ideal for an experienced Head of Service or for Deputy Managers and Team Leaders ready to step into senior leadership. You will bring vision, resilience and the ability to inspire and empower your teams.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Why Southwark?

Southwark’s Children’s and Adults Services consistently earn Ofsted “Good” ratings in all areas. We invest in our staff and residents, supporting professional development, innovation and partnership working. Join a vibrant, diverse and inclusive borough where your work makes a positive difference.

Benefits:

In recognition of your hard work and dedication, Southwark Council offers:

• Competitive salary of up to £84,075 per annum with a JNC benefits package.
• Family friendly policies, flexible and home working options.
• Local government pension scheme.
• Professional development, training and career progression opportunities.
• A friendly, motivated, supportive and collaborative team.

For more benefits, see: Southwark Jobs – Why Us

Additional Information:

• Working Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday - Friday
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Location: 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH
• DBS level: Enhanced DBS required

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Anna Chiva via email at Anna.Chiva@southwark.gov.uk

Recruitment Timeline:

• Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 5th October 2025
• Shortlisting date/s: Wednesday 8th October 2025
• Interview date/s: Wednesday 22nd October 2025

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

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Attachments

• Job Description & Person Specification - Head of Service SEND