Salary: £40,777 to £41,771 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Cumbria House, Carlisle

Contract: Fixed term (2 years)

About this opportunity

We are looking for a Strategic SEND & Alternative Provision Transformation Officer to play a pivotal role in delivering our ambitious SEND & AP improvement programme. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of system-wide transformation—translating strategy into real, measurable impact for children, families and partners.

Why this role matters

You will lead key transformation workstreams, supporting a programme that is focused on improving outcomes, strengthening inclusion, and ensuring we meet our statutory responsibilities. You’ll work across education, health and care, helping to bring partners together to deliver meaningful change.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading defined SEND & AP transformation workstreams and driving delivery against clear milestones
• Translating strategic priorities into delivery plans, actions, and measurable impact
• Supporting robust programme management including risk registers, RAG reporting and governance updates
• Contributing to quality assurance activity, audits and improvement reviews across the system
• Analysing performance data and lived experience to identify areas for improvement
• Producing high-quality, inspection-ready reports and briefings
• Working collaboratively with schools, health, social care and parent/carer forums

What we’re looking for

We want someone who is:

• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
• Experienced in programme delivery, improvement or transformation work
• Confident working with complex data and evidence
• A strong communicator, able to influence across partnerships
• Organised, resilient and motivated by impact

What you’ll gain

• A chance to influence system-wide SEND improvement at scale
• Exposure to senior leadership, governance and inspection readiness work
• Opportunities to shape innovative, co-produced services
• A collaborative, supportive and ambitious working environment

This role is available on a fixed-term basis.

Why join us?

• A lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere – Living and working in Cumbria offers the best of both worlds. You’ll have a fulfilling and rewarding career while being surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the world-famous Lake District National Park to unspoilt coastlines and vibrant market towns. Whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, cycling, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Cumbria provides an outstanding quality of life.
• Supportive environment – You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation. We focus on potential over perfection, giving you opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Natalie Bevan by email at name natalie.bevan@cumbria.gov.uk

DBS Checks

This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is:

Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s & Adults Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults and Children.

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

• Closing date: 12/06/2026
• Interview date: TBC

If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council