Senior Administrator - SEND Reforms

Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX, hybrid working
• Salary: £28,598 + 3.3% agreed pay rise per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37, flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed term for up to 2 years

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. As a Senior Administrator in the SEND Project Management Office (PMO) you’ll see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Join us and turn your passion for progress into action.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

In this role, you would be expected to:

• Provide administrative support to the SEND Reforms Programme.
• Arrange meetings and maintain programme records/governance logs.
• Produce reports and communications as required.
• Work closely with colleagues both internally and externally.

You will need

• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing demands, meet deadlines and use initiative.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, with confidence in learning specialist systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including accurate minute-taking and producing reports, presentations and communications for different audiences.
• Strong relationship-building and problem-solving skills, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues, customers and partner organisations.

Take a look at what makes our Ideal Worker (Word), shaped by the voices of young people.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.  

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The SEND Programme Management Office (PMO) is at the heart of Suffolk’s SEND Reform Programme, helping to turn strategic priorities into meaningful improvements for children and young people with SEND. Working collaboratively across education, health, social care and partner organisations, the team coordinates programme delivery, governance, performance, communications and business support to create a more inclusive and sustainable SEND system across Suffolk.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Jo Hedley (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing SENDReforms@suffolk.gov.uk.

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload asupporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

1. What interests you about supporting the SEND Reform Programme and contributing to improvements for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

2. Tell us about a time when you worked with a range of stakeholders who had different priorities or expectations. How did you build positive working relationships and achieve the required outcome?

3. Describe a time when you managed multiple competing priorities and deadlines. How did you organise your workload, ensure key tasks were completed on time and maintain accuracy?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 11 October 2026.

Interview date: Week commencing 26 October 2026 and 2 November 2026 (dates to be confirmed).

This role is being advertised as Senior Administrator for advertising purposes. If appointed, you will be employed as Business Support Coordinator.

This authority 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. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

About us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).