Independent SEND Partnership Scrutineer

Northumberland County Council is seeking an experienced independent provider to scrutinize and challenge the Northumberland Strategic SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Partnership. The successful provider will deliver independent oversight, constructive challenge, and objective assurance to help the partnership improve outcomes, experiences, and inclusion for children and young people with SEND and their families. Key responsibilities include: • Providing assurance on the effectiveness of local multiagency SEND arrangements, focusing on practice quality, co-production with families, and real-world impact • Amplifying the voices of children, young people, and families in decision-making and quality assurance processes • Delivering independent assessment of SEND improvement initiatives, tracking progress against inspection findings and the Local Area SEND Reform Plan • Chairing quarterly Partnership Board meetings and providing scrutiny across all partnership workstreams and subgroups • Holding partners accountable for their SEND responsibilities across education, health, and care services The role evolves with the national SEND reform programme (2026-2035) and aligns with the Local SEND Reform Plan and Local Partnership Maturity Assessment. This is a strategic leadership position requiring strong experience in SEND policy, multiagency coordination, and independent assurance.