This is a specialist professional role within the SEND Service (0–25), with responsibility for the case management, coordination and quality assurance of SEND Tribunal (SENDIST) appeals on behalf of the Local Authority.
The postholder will lead on the end‑to‑end management of tribunal appeals, ensuring legal compliance, high‑quality evidence submission, and adherence to statutory timescales. The role sits at the intersection of education, law and SEND practice and requires confidence, sound judgement and the ability to work under legal scrutiny.
You will work closely with families, education settings, SEND casework teams, legal services and senior colleagues, and will play a key part in supporting early resolution, managing risk to the Local Authority, and embedding learning from tribunal outcomes into SEND practice.
Key responsibilities
- Coordinate the delivery of SEND Tribunal (SENDIST) appeals on behalf of the Local Authority, with support, from receipt of the notice of appeal through to conclusion.
- Triage cases, identify key issues, and support case direction discussions with the SEND Legal Team.
- Prepare Local Authority responses, evidence bundles, witness statements and submissions in line with tribunal rules, directions and deadlines.
- Act as a professional contact for parents/carers, young people, legal representatives, schools and internal professionals throughout the appeals process.
- Ensure witnesses are appropriately briefed and supported for hearings and hearings are effectively prepared.
- Attend and represent the Local Authority at hearings, Judicial Alternative Dispute Resolution (JADR), Telephone Case Management Hearings (TCMH), mediations and meetings.
- Monitor compliance with tribunal orders and coordinate post‑tribunal actions across the SEND Service.
- Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records on SEND systems, ensuring legal and data compliance.
- Support early dispute resolution through proactive case management and collaborative working.
- Identify learning from tribunal outcomes and contribute to continuous improvement of SEND practice, processes and risk management.
- Work closely with internal and external partners, including education, health, social care and legal colleagues
About you
To be successful in this role you must have:
- Knowledge of SEND legislation and regulations, including the Children and Families Act 2014, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
- Experience of working within SEND, ideally in a local authority or similar setting.
- Experience of casework and managing administrative and statutory processes.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret, summarise and present complex information clearly.
- Confidence to liaise with legal professionals, senior practitioners, schools and families.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines.
- Competence in using ICT systems, including Word, Excel and case management databases.
- Educated to Level 5 or equivalent experience, with good numeracy and literacy skills.
Why Join us?
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of holiday (pro‑rata), increasing to 34 days after 5 years’ service – plus public holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Save for your future with our generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Fitness Discounts: Discounted Gym memberships at various gyms across the county.
- Lifestyle Savings: Enjoy a wide range of discounts at hundreds of popular high‑street and online retailers.
- And more: Additional wellbeing support, employee assistance, and development opportunities.
Contact Linzi Millward: Linzi.Millward@northyorks.gov.uk
Key dates
Closing Date: Sunday 10th May 2026
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