We are looking for an experienced and values-driven leader to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Director for Inclusion and SEND
This is a key leadership role focused on improving the lives and outcomes of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You'll lead our approach to inclusion across Suffolk, ensuring children, young people and their families can access the right support at the right time and have every opportunity to thrive.
Your role and responsibilities
A key element of this role is to provide system leadership across education, health and care, developing the partnerships and services that enable the Council to deliver its statutory responsibilities for SEND while creating a more inclusive system for children and young people across Suffolk.
You'll lead the delivery of the Suffolk SEND Strategy and Transformation Programme, oversee statutory SEND services, specialist education provision and educational psychology, and work collaboratively with partners to improve outcomes across the local area.
Your immediate priorities will include:
We support hybrid and flexible working, however, in this role you’ll be expected to provide visible, accessible leadership across the organisation and with our partners. This means you'll regularly work from our offices and across Suffolk.
About you
You'll be an inspiring and resilient leader with the experience and credibility to lead change across a complex system.
We're looking for someone who brings:
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.
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 Sarah-Jane Smedmor for a conversation about the role. You can reach her by emailing Sarah-Jane.Smedmor@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word) and Role Addendum (Word)
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload an up-to-date CV and supporting statement:
Please upload an up-to-date copy of your CV together with a supporting statement explaining your motivation for applying for the role and demonstrating how your experience, achievements and leadership approach equip you to deliver the role's key priorities and responsibilities. Please use specific examples to demonstrate the outcomes and impact of your work.
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.ukor 03456 014412 You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages
Closing date: 11.30pm 29June 2026.
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.
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:
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)
Reimagine the possibilities.
As one of the largest employers in Suffolk, we have a huge variety of exciting careers to offer people as keen to make a positive impact on the world around them as we are.
As a modern, flexible, and effective council, we’re driven to make a difference to the environment, the communities we serve, and the careers of our people. We explore innovative ways to encourage, respect, and enable everyone to be the best they can be.
By creating meaningful connections with our people and our partner organisations, we’ve built a culture of mutual collaboration, trust, and respect where everyone is supported to be their authentic selves.
We aim to inspire and empower. To improve and evolve. To develop and innovate. To take pride and ownership of the world around us and ensure that we leave a positive and lasting legacy. That’s why it’s time to reimagine a career with the council and take a fresh look at what we can offer you.
