Tribunals Officer

Job Introduction

Job Title: SEND Tribunals Officer

Starting Salary: £38,220 pa + £1,642 pa market enhanced payment*, progressing to £41,771 pa + £2,303 pa market enhanced payment* PLUS £2,00 one‑off welcome payment*

Hours: 37

Location: Based at Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead, with hybrid working and travel across Hertfordshire

Contract Type: Permanent

Directorate: Children’s Services

About The Team

The Tribunals Team manages and co‑ordinates the local authority’s response to SEND appeals. The team prepares evidence, liaises with professionals and schools, and represents the local authority at hearings. It also supports service improvement across casework and serves as the administrative hub for Pre‑Action Protocols and Judicial Reviews.

Our goal is to create a tribunal service that is accessible, transparent, efficient and fair for everyone. You’ll be an essential part of our team, collaborating with parents, carers, young people, schools and other key stakeholders within the SEND statutory and legal framework. You’ll join a well‑established team that is always seeking new ways to innovate and improve, and your input will be crucial in shaping the future of our service to meet the evolving needs of our SEND community.

About The Role

This role offers an excellent opportunity to advance your career and gain valuable experience in legal representation and multi‑agency working. With support and training, you will be well‑equipped to succeed and contribute to ensuring every child receives the support they need.

Responsibilities

• Casework: Ensure high‑quality casework is carried out in relation to the cases held, encouraging resolution and reconciliation for appeals received from the Tribunal.
• Representation: Represent the Local Authority at the Special Educational Needs and Disability First Tier Tribunal.
• Coordination: Use negotiation and influencing skills to work with parents, schools, and multi‑disciplinary practitioners to seek resolution to the appeal.
• Development: Develop the multi‑agency response to a Tribunal, including creating chronologies, arranging and chairing case planning meetings and other multi‑agency meetings, and preparing and collating evidence to support the Local Authority’s position.
• Policy Contribution: Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and provisions for children with SEND; stay updated on SEND casework, national legislation changes, and departmental policies; support the induction, training, and support of team members.
• Database Management: Input and maintain accurate and comprehensive database records; participate in the Local Authority’s systems for monitoring and quality assurance for children and young people in appeal.

Essential Qualifications

• High level of experience working with families or children in or aligned to SEND, including extensive experience of the statutory EHCP process.
• High level of experience working with both internal and external agencies across the SEND Partnership.
• Good working knowledge of the law governing SEND.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to facilitate dialogue, promoting collaboration and resolving disputes through influence and negotiation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work unsupervised, managing multiple cases to tight deadlines.
• Ability to remain resilient when under pressure while navigating complex issues and challenges.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Willingness to travel across Hertfordshire for meetings as needed.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience of advocacy and representing at tribunals or similar.
• Knowledge of relevant case law.

Driving Required

You’ll need the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. Those who use a signed language will be provided with a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency.

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Safeguarding

This role requires a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Application

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

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