Package Description:

To protect our autistic pupils and young adults within the National Autistic Society, all employees will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.

Join Us as Strategic Lead - Restrictive Practice Reduction

At the National Autistic Society, we offer many services to support autistic children and young people. We work to improve education, care, and experiences so they can reach their full potential.

About the Team
You’ll work closely with a wide network of senior leaders, school‑based teams, and specialist professionals across multiple sites, forming part of a collaborative education leadership community. The team works in partnership with PBS teams, trainers, and safeguarding leads, as well as families and external partners, to drive consistent, high‑quality practice and improve outcomes for pupils through a shared focus on safety, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.

About the Role

This role will provide clear leadership, strategic direction, and effective management to drive the development and implementation of operational plans aimed at reducing and, where possible, eliminating restrictive practices (including physical restraint) across all schools. The role focuses on embedding a consistent approach ensuring improved outcomes for pupils and compliance with all statutory requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, implement, and oversee plans that lead to a multi-site restrictive practice reduction strategy

• Work with a full range of professionals across the schools to identify areas of best practice and concern
• Provide direct onsite observation, reflection and advice for front line education professionals

What We’re Looking For

• Proven track record in reducing restrictive practices or leading behaviour strategy
• Accredited in Studio 3 framework
• A comprehensive understanding of BILDACT and Restraint Reduction Network frameworks and training standards including future developments and planned changes

Click here for the Job Description

This is a permanent full-time position, at 35 hours per week.

What we can offer you

• Pension – Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
• Training – Great induction and training, including autism training.
• Discounts – Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
• Healthcare – Cash plan for permanent staff.
• Life Assurance – 2x your base salary.
• Flexible Benefits – Options like private health, dental insurance holiday trading, enhanced pension.
• Support – 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
• Mindfulness – Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
• Blue Light Card – Eligibility for discounts.

About our application process

When you write your supporting statement:

• Look at the job description and person specification.
• Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
• Give examples if you can.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people.

We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.

Please click here to view the safeguarding policy and please click here to view the policy and procedure for employment of ex-offenders.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Important Information

Agencies need not apply.

Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.

The National Autistic Society may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist our recruitment team with reviewing applications for this role. All application decisions are made by people and are not determined automatically by AI.