An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Assessment and Planning Team, part of the Education Division, for a SEN Tribunals Officer. The Education Division sits within Children’s Services and has overall responsibility for improving educational outcomes for children and young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This role forms a key part of that mission, ensuring lawful, fair and child‑centred decision‑making.

As a SEN Tribunals Officer, you will work as part of the Tribunals Team to defend Local Authority decisions at the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) and to promote early resolution, helping to reduce the number of appeals wherever possible.

You will take responsibility for preparing and presenting tribunal cases, working closely with Legal Services, Assessment and Planning colleagues, schools, health partners and families. You will represent the Local Authority at oral hearings, using evidence from across education, health and social care to inform legal positions and ensure appropriate provision is in place for children and young people.

This is a challenging but rewarding role, requiring strong analytical and communication skills, confidence in professional negotiation, and the ability to work effectively under statutory timescales. You will be well supported by experienced colleagues and have access to high‑quality ongoing CPD.

There is 1 fixed term position available for 12 months.

We are looking for candidates who have:

Written and verbal communication skills, including producing clear, detailed reports for a range of audiences
Negotiation skills and the ability to resolve disputes effectively
Knowledge and understanding of current SEN legislation, statutory procedures and reform
Ability to deal sensitively and objectively with confidential and emotive issues

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI .

Interviews are scheduled for 07 August 2026 and will be in the form of an in person interview, followed by a task. This will be in County Hall, Lewes.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

You will be working at County Hall; the Head Office for the County Council, based on the edge of Lewes Town Centre, which is within walking distance to the town and train station. County Hall is also on a bus route and car parking is available on site at a reduced rate for employees.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Dawn Pack, SEND Tribunals Lead Manager on 01273 336740.

What can the Education Division offer you?

A motivated team committed to the continuous improvement of outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
A commitment to a model of reflective practice based on regular supervision to support all employees in their professional development.
A continued professional development (CPD) programme to ensure your personal and professional skills and knowledge are enhanced and developed to support the performance of the service.
A team of motivated and committed peers.

We also offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

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