SEND Quality Assurance & Sufficiency Officer

| Salary £32,061-£36,363, Per annum | Full time 37 hours per week | Pro Rata A unique opportunity in our Policy, Commissioning and Children’s Health service As part of the transformation of our Inclusion and SEND services, we are expanding our workforce with passionate, skilled people who want to make a meaningful difference for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those accessing Alternative Provision (AP), and their families. We have a fantastic new role within our dynamic Policy, Commissioning and Children’s Health team for a SEND Quality Assurance & Sufficiency Officer. This role plays a vital part in shaping high‑quality, inclusive services that meet local needs and improve outcomes for children and young people across Lancashire. This is an important role supporting the quality, safety and sufficiency of SEND educational placements and associated support services across Lancashire. You will help ensure children and young people with SEND receive safe, stable and effective provision, while contributing to positive outcomes, strong safeguarding practice and improved oversight of provider quality and capacity. What the role involves As a SEND Quality Assurance & Sufficiency Officer, you will: Support the monitoring and review of contracts, helping to ensure services are high quality, contractually compliant and deliver value for money. Build effective working relationships with providers and partner teams, identifying emerging concerns early and supporting appropriate action in line with agreed processes. Work closely with Inclusion Service colleagues, Education Improvement and other partners to provide practical support and professional input to inform decision-making, manage risk and strengthen quality assurance arrangements. Contribute to sufficiency activity by supporting oversight of provider capacity, quality and market intelligence. Support the resolution of provider concerns and complaints by gathering information, contributing to follow-up activity and ensuring agreed processes are applied consistently. This is a varied role within a supportive, forward‑thinking team where you will have the opportunity to influence key areas of service development and drive positive change for children and young people. We’re looking for someone who: Understands commissioning, contract management and quality assurance. Is confident using data to support decision‑making and drive service improvement. Can build strong, collaborative relationships across the SEND and Alternative Provision system. Has experience working in education, SEND, children’s services or a related sector. Stays calm under pressure, is solution‑focused, and works effectively both independently and within multi‑agency teams. Brings creativity, insight and a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children and young people. If you'd like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Maxine Smith, Commissioning Manager, on [email protected] The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) . If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab. You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability. In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications. Job Description and Person Specification