Strategic Sufficiency Lead Children's Services Commissioning

Job Description

The roleAre you interested in helping to achieve great outcomes for children and young people, and shaping the placements market for long term sustainability at the same timeIf yes, we have the perfect role for you!Wandsworth is looking for a full time,dynamic and driven Strategic Lead with a knowledge and understanding of childrens care and education placements, and experience of commissioning providers.Our goal and visionWandsworth are focused on improving the quality of placement provision, to ensureour young people have the best experience in a nurturing and supportive environment, helping to achieve their goals and ambitions.About the roleWandsworth Council are recruiting to the exciting new role of Strategic Lead for Sufficiency, within the ChildrensCommissioning Team. Working alongside Childrens Services (Social Care and Education), you will be responsible for the effective management of the Sufficiency commissioning portfolio and plans. This will include commissioned provision for CLA and SEND suchas school placements and residential accommodation/placements, and alongside other commissioned services managed within the commissioning team.Supporting the Head of Commissioning, the post will lead on the strategic planning of SEND education and ChildrenLooked After places/placements to match the level of need in the borough, projecting and predicting future need. The role will include proactive market analysis, development, negotiation, and engagement to ensure availability and sustainability for Wandsworth.Thispermanent role is within the Childrens Services Commissioning Team, but involves partnership working across Social care, SEND and Education teams, as well as providers and partners.BenefitsWe recognise the importance of a good balance between work and homelife so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours, term time only, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process(and beyond) if these are options youd like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.In addition, we offer a comprehensive range ofstaff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. You willalso be availed of all training available to the service.Indicative recruitment timeline Close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 30th January 2022 Shortlisting date: week commencing 31st January 2022 Interview date: week commencing 7th February 2022Useful Information:The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.Please note that theadvertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible. Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process wewould very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.Equality StatementRichmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality anddiversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confidentemployer.Important InformationThis post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and BarringService (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent SafeguardingAuthority (ISA).How to applyTo be considered for interview your CV and supporting statement (no longer than 1 side of a4) must highlight your knowledge, skills and experience listed in the Job Profile located at the bottom of the advert.For an informal discussionabout the role please contact Pasquale Brammer (Head of Commissioning) on .uk