Programme Manager – SEND Reform Transformation

Job Introduction

Job Title: Programme Manager – SEND Reform (Children’s Services)

Salary: £52,413-£60,050

Location: Lincolnshire, countywide travel required

Closing Date: 28th June 2026

Interviews: 20th July 2026

Lincolnshire has an excellent opportunity in Children’s Services for an experienced Programme Manager to be part of a new and exciting team within the Inclusion Service.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering the SEND Reform Programme, as part of the wider national SEND reforms. Providing coordination and oversight, the postholder will have responsibility for driving forward Lincolnshire’s SEND reform plans, developing and maintaining strong, positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

The postholder will lead on challenge, and support and advice, within an integrated approach, in order to deliver the SEND Reform Programme, and raise the quality of effective inclusive practice to meet the needs of children and young people in Lincolnshire.

Responsible for the day to date leadership of the SEND Reform Transformation Team, the postholder will work in partnership across the local area with a wide and diverse range of stakeholders to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of early intervention, and support for children and young people with SEND.

The postholder will have responsibility for the pace, and coherence of the SEND reform plans. They will work within specific areas of development and improvement within the Inclusion arena and SEND reforms, working closely with the Team Manager and Head of Service, schools, Social Care, the Integrated Care Board, Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum, and children and young people.

The position will be working across the whole of Lincolnshire and therefore the ability to drive is essential.

What we are looking for:

• Relevant professional Project Management qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience in similar role.
• Senior management experience with proven experience of managing large, complex, and cross-cutting programmes and communicating with service users and service partners.
• Experience of setting objectives, strategic planning / prioritisation, and the ability to identify improvement opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate, persuade, negotiate and influence at a senior level and with partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, and a high level of organisation skills and the ability to prioritise demand.
• The ability to promote creative thinking and problem solving across a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent presentations skills.
• Effective Budget and Financial planning skills.

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact; Kate Capel (Head of Service for Inclusion) via email kate.capel@lincolnshire.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.