Vocational jobs

Do you want to play a key role in improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through meaningful system change? If you do, you could be an excellent fit for our Project Officer: SEND reforms.

This new and exciting role offers the opportunity to support with significant policy change and make a real difference for children and families. You will support the delivery of SEND reforms across East Sussex, working closely with the Strategic Lead: SEND Reforms to help coordinate workstreams, keep plans on track and ensure effective stakeholder engagement. You will gather and analyse information, support strong project governance, and help translate policy and reform priorities into clear, practical actions. Working alongside senior managers and colleagues across education, health and social care, you will play an important role in supporting meaningful improvements for children, young people and families.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have experience supporting projects or programmes in a complex organisation.
• Can build effective relationships with partners and stakeholders across services.
• Communicate clearly and confidently, producing concise updates and accurate documentation.
• Can manage competing priorities and maintain strong attention to detail under pressure.
Have strong IT skills, including confident use of Microsoft Office applications.

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 will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes, BN7 1UE. Interviews will be taking place on Monday 29 June 2026. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.

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

This is a great opportunity to be at the centre of a high-profile national SEND reform programme and play a part in turning policy into practical improvements for children and families.

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

Vocational Training through Apprenticeships is now available to our staff, ranging from entry level to degree level qualifications. You can talk to the hiring manager and the apprenticeship team about what qualifications would be relevant to you and this job role, and if it is possible to support you in apprenticeship training.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Lisa Cloves, Service Support Officer via lisa.cloves@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a MS teams call or phone call.

The best thing about working for East Sussex is knowing every person who works here cares about our residents and wants to achieve the best outcomes for them. Casey, Project Officer

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!