Tribunal/Compliance Officer – SEND - Royal Borough of Greenwich

Job Title: Tribunal/Compliance Officer – SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
Location: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Contract Type: Temporary
Working Pattern: Hybrid (see below)
Start Date: ASAP
Working Arrangement:

• Initial Requirement: The successful candidate will be required to work in the office full-time for the first two weeks.
• Hybrid Model (Post-induction): After the initial two weeks, the role will follow a hybrid working pattern—2 days in the office and 3 days working from home.

Role Overview: We are seeking an experienced Tribunal/Compliance Officer to join our SEND service. This role is crucial in ensuring legal compliance, managing complex casework, and representing the Local Authority in Tribunal hearings. The successful candidate will also support strategic service development and work closely with a range of stakeholders including providers, professionals, and families.
Key Responsibilities:

• Deputise for the Team Leader – Assessment and Review (Tribunal/Compliance) during periods of absence or as requested.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Tribunal/Compliance team within relevant legal and statutory frameworks.
• Represent the Local Authority at Tribunal hearings, ensuring robust, evidence-based submissions.
• Liaise with senior staff across assigned education and care providers to ensure compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014.
• Lead the management and coordination of the needs assessment and review process, in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
• Offer challenge and support to professionals and families to mitigate potential legal challenges against the Local Authority.
• Manage a high-volume, complex caseload that reflects the changing needs of children and young people with SEND.
• Undertake lone home visits where necessary, producing aspirational and outcome-focused Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Oversee legally sensitive cases with the potential for reputational impact, providing regular strategic reports to senior leadership to inform policy and service delivery.

Essential Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015
• Strong experience managing complex SEND casework, including legal compliance and tribunal preparation
• Confident in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and multi-agency working
• Ability to analyse risk, influence strategic decisions, and provide senior-level reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a local authority or similar public sector setting
• Background in law, compliance, or tribunal representation relating to SEND
• Relevant professional qualifications in education, social work, or legal services