SEND Tribunal and Mediation Officer

Job Title: SEND Tribunal and Mediation Officer
Location: Swindon (Hybrid – office attendance required as needed)
Rate: Competitive daily rate (dependent on experience)
Contract: Interim / Full-time
Overview:
We are currently recruiting an experienced SEND Tribunal and Mediation Officer to join a dedicated and high-performing SEND Team within Swindon Borough Council. This is a critical role supporting the local authority in ensuring statutory compliance and the effective handling of SEND disputes, particularly those progressing to mediation and tribunal.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on all aspects of SEND tribunal and mediation casework.
• Coordinate responses to appeals and disputes, ensuring compliance with statutory timescales.
• Liaise with legal teams, families, schools, and external professionals to gather evidence and represent the local authority's position.
• Prepare comprehensive tribunal documentation, including working documents and evidence bundles.
• Attend mediation meetings and tribunal hearings as required, ensuring professional and well-informed representation.
• Support colleagues across the SEND service in pre-emptive dispute resolution and case planning.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records and contribute to service improvement initiatives.

Essential Criteria:

• Extensive experience working within SEND services, ideally within a tribunal or statutory assessment role.
• Strong working knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Proven experience preparing and presenting cases for SEND tribunal and mediation.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while meeting statutory deadlines.

Desirable:

• Legal training or experience in education law is advantageous.
• Familiarity with case management systems such as Capita ONE or Liquidlogic.

Why Apply?

• Join a supportive and forward-thinking SEND team.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on positive outcomes for children and families.
• Flexible working arrangements available.

To Apply:
Submit your CV today for immediate consideration. Early applications are encouraged as interviews will be held on a rolling basis.