Project Manager (SEND Reform Programme) - 05799

Are you an experienced project manager with a passion for driving positive change in education services? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Project Manager (SEND Reform) to work within the Customer Engagement & Transformation Service, reporting to the Portfolio Manager (Service Redesign) but working for the SEND Service Lead in our SEND & Education Service. This is an exciting opportunity to play a role in the successful delivery of initiatives set out in the SEND Reform Plan that directly impact the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This contract is for an initial fixed term of 6 months commencing 1st September due to time limited funding. There is the potential for the role to be extended when further funding decisions are announced.

This contract is for an initial fixed term of 6 months commencing 1st September due to time limited funding. There is the potential for the role to be extended when further funding decisions are announced.

Interviews & Shortlisting

Due to the tight turnaround and a periods of annual leave, shortlisting will take place w/c 27 th July and you will be notified by close of play 28 th July if you have been selected. Interviews will take place over the two days of 30 th (pm) and 31 st July (pm) so please ensure you are available should you be selected for interview.

About The Role

As Project Manager (SEND Reform), you will play a key role in managing the successful delivery of the SEND Reform plan activities, ensuring that the teams responsible maintain the momentum and progress in line with the stated aims. This will involve monitoring delivery, reporting to the overseeing boards, collating documentation for meetings, providing RAID logs, highlight reports, tracking progress and monitoring milestones. You will be responsible for:

• Managing the day-to-day operation of the project, including planning, monitoring, and reporting on progress
• Coordinating project activities and resources, ensuring timely delivery of milestones
• Engaging and collaborating with key stakeholders, including parents, carers, and education providers
• Identifying and managing project risks and issues, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies
• Reporting on project progress to the SEND Partnership Board and other relevant forums within the Children's Governance structures.
  
  

This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.

About You

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Proven experience in project management, ideally within a local authority or public sector environment
• Knowledge and understanding of SEND legislation and the challenges faced by children and young people with SEND will be an advantage
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of individuals
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise conflicting demands
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to use initiative and work with minimal supervision
• Be available to commence the role from 1st September 2026.
  
  

Why Work for West Berkshire Council?

West Berkshire Council Offer Excellent Employment Benefits Such As

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum, pro rata (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.
  
  

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career. Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melanie Best at [email protected]

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How To Apply

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications

AI in Applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.