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Location: Lynton House, Ilford, IG1/Hybrid

Permanent – Full Time

Lead transformation. Shape services. Improve outcomes for children and families.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Head of Children’s Commissioning, leading a critical function that delivers high-quality services across Education, SEND, Inclusion and Children’s Social Care.

The Opportunity

This is a senior strategic leadership role with responsibility for shaping the future of support for children and families across the borough.

You will:

• Lead the full commissioning cycle, from strategy to delivery and assurance
• Drive sufficiency planning, market development and provider oversight
• Ensure high-quality, safe and outcome-focused pathways and services for our children and young people
• Ensure financial sustainability
• Build strong partnerships across health, education, Adult Social Care and the voluntary sector

You’ll also take a lead role in:

• SEND commissioning and sufficiency
• Placements strategy for looked-after children
• Quality assurance, market oversight and provider risk management
• Preparing for and responding to Ofsted and regulatory frameworks
• Financial spend controls and budget sustainability

About You

You will be a proven leader with:

• Extensive experience in children’s commissioning (SEND, education or children’s social care)
• A strong track record in strategic leadership, market shaping and partnership working
• Deep understanding of statutory frameworks (Children’s Act, SEND Reform, ILACS)
• Experience managing large, complex budgets and contracts
• The ability to lead, inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams

Why Join Us?

• A chance to shape whole-system change with significant strategic influence
• Lead a high-performing function delivering critical outcomes for children
• Work in a collaborative environment with strong cross-system partnerships
• Be part of a leadership team driving innovation, improvement and impact

If you have any further queries or would like an informal discussion regarding the role before applying, please contact karen.starkey@redbridge.gov.uk

Job Description and Person Specification

This post is politically restricted.

To apply for this post please complete the online application form and attach your CV and a Covering Letter addressing how you meet the criteria for the role as stated in the person specification.

All short-listed applicants will need to demonstrate proof of right to work in the UK.

We are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment and welcome applications from qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, colour, race, religion, or belief.