Overview
We are looking for a Project Manager who will focus on supporting SEND Reform and wider system improvement within Leicestershire’s Children and Family Services. The post is temporary for 24 months. The 2026 UK SEND reforms, “Putting Children and Young People First,” aims to create a more inclusive, consistent system by prioritising early intervention and strengthening mainstream school capacity. Key changes include introducing new National Inclusion Standards, “Inclusion Bases” in schools, and transitioning to a new specialist Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) system by 2030, aimed at reducing the need for adversarial, expensive legal challenges.
Responsibilities
As a Project Manager, you will lead and coordinate a programme of activity to support Leicestershire’s response to national SEND reforms. You will work closely with senior leaders across Children Family Services and wider strategic partners to implement national policy into practical, deliverable improvement activity. This will involve planning and coordinating the necessary workstreams, managing the financial spend of grant funding, and submitting data and reports to the Department for Education. You will need strong political awareness and the ability to build trusted relationships in complex environments. The role requires a high level of autonomy, flexibility and initiative as priorities evolve in line with national SEND reform.
Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant degree in an analytical subject or other relevant qualification at a level appropriate to the role, with demonstrable experience managing complex and demanding projects successfully.
- Qualification in project management or change management, or equivalent experience of managing complex projects.
- Experience managing significant, demanding projects, including preparing major business cases, conducting business change impact assessments, budgeting and cost management, ideally within a Children and Family Services environment.
- Successful experience working in environments requiring extensive liaison, such as across partnerships or within large complex organisations.
- Effectively implementing change and managing people through change. Proficiency in IT including Microsoft Project, with an ability to produce reports and presentations.
- Knowledge of local government structure, policy framework and stakeholder inter‑relationships.
- Experience producing complex and statistical reports with detailed analysis, prioritising and managing a heavy workload while delivering quality results to tight deadlines.
Values and Commitment
In addition, we expect you to share our commitment to delivering accessible and inclusive services that meet the needs of all residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments during the selection process.
Equal Opportunities
Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
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