Tribunal, Dispute Resolution and Complaints Lead
Grade: N
Salary: From £48,474 up to £52,504 per annum pro rata
Location: Countywide
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 3rd December 2023
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced SEN professional to take up post as SEN Tribunal, Dispute Resolution and Complaints Lead for North Yorkshire Council.
The role involves representing the Local Authority at the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal and defend appropriateness of the proposed service provision for an individual child. As a Tribunal Officer, you will also engage with mediation and early dispute resolution to resolve disagreement prior to hearing whenever possible.
The key deliverables within this role are:
· To provide day to day oversight, working directly with the Head of SEND, Lead for SEND and the SEN Legal Team in regard to case management of SEN appeals related cases to ensure that the Council discharges its responsibilities effectively in relation to statutory appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST), which is part of her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).
· Develop practice across the SEND Casework Team to reduce the Local Authority’s exposure to risk of appeals to Tribunals and litigation and judicial review/complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman.
· Work directly with parents, schools, parental appointed legal representatives and other professional bodies within the statutory and legal framework related to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal process.
· Take the lead on complex casework to provide effective mediation between parents, schools and multi-disciplinary practitioners across a range of complex SEN issues, drawing on strong negotiation and influencing skills.
· Overseeing complaints at Stage 1 and Stage 2, and maintaining an overview of actions following complaints.
This is a county-wide post, and the post holder will be working remotely with a requirement to attend face-to-face meetings where appropriate, including when in-person Tribunals resume.
For an informal conversation, we would welcome you to contact Charlie Lowe Head of SEND on email charlie.lowe@northyorks.gov.uk
Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post.
Key Dates
Closing Date: 3rd December 2023
Shortlist date: 4th December 2023
Interview Date:7th December 2023
Key Documents
NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.