Service Manager - Disputes and Resolutions

We are working with a Southwest based Local Authority who are seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead their Disputes and Resolutions function within the SEND Service. Reporting to and working closely with the Head of Virtual School, you will be responsible for fully preparing the existing D&R team for tribunals, and managing, resolving, and responding to complaints.

Location: Southwest based Local Authority 

Set-up: Hybrid (1-2 days per week on-site)

Rate: £460-£500/day via umbrella, inside IR35

Duration: Initial 3–6-month contract, potential extension

Hours: Full-time position

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the council’s engagement with inspection bodies, tribunals, and political casework, ensuring effective dispute resolution and regulatory compliance
• Manage complex stakeholder relationships including schools, trusts, families, politicians, and inspectorates to resolve education-related conflicts
• Design and implement strategies to reduce disputes and drive continuous improvement across SEND and wider educational services
• Plan for and manage Ofsted inspections of the local SEND system, ensuring readiness and responsiveness across services

Requirements:

• Local Government experience required for initial shortlisting, then thereafter at the client’s discretion
• In-depth understanding of education legislation, statutory SEND responsibilities, and multi-agency working
• Proven experience in dispute resolution, conflict de-escalation, and handling high-stakes or politically sensitive cases
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate learning into policy and operational change
• Skilled communicator with experience engaging diverse stakeholders, including families, professionals, and political representatives
• Experience in inspection planning, service evaluation, and performance tracking across complex systems

At Venn Group, we endeavour to respond to all applications However due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 48 hours please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion