JOB PROFILE
What Is a SEND Tribunal Officer?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What a SEND Tribunal Officer is.
- What the responsibilities of a SEND Tribunal Officer are.
- What qualifications a SEND Tribunal Officer needs.
- What skills a SEND Tribunal Officer needs.
- Who employs a SEND Tribunal Office.
- The average salary of a SEND Tribunal Officer.
- Where the latest SEND Tribunal Officer jobs are and how to apply for them.
What Is a SEND Tribunal Officer?
A SEND Tribunal Officer is responsible for defending SEND appeals lodged by parents and young people against a local authority. Amongst their responsibilities, a SEND Tribunal Officer will review the case and co-ordinate and the council's response.
SEND Tribunal Officers will prepare a Council's Grounds of Response (called an R1 Form) and send it to the parent or young person before it is sent to the tribunal.
During a SEND tribunal, evidence will be presented to decide whether a local authority followed the law when making important decisions. On occasions, legal representation may be engaged by the council; this is usually where issues of the law are complex.
What Are the Responsibilities of a SEND Tribunal Officer?
While working as a SEND Tribunal Officer, you will be required to:
- Defend appeals against the local authority.
- Facilitate discussions between schools and families with the aim of resolving disputes amicably.
- Attend tribunal hearings (when necessary).
- Conduct thorough reviews of evidence.
- Prepare all appeal papers for the council and parents (prior to the hearing)
- Respond to judicial orders.
- Ensure that the tribunal process runs smoothly, maintaining professionalism and impartiality.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records related to mediation and tribunal cases.
- Provide an accurate response to local authority appeals.
- Attend pre-hearing meetings.
- Take notes to assist the preparation of cases.
- Ensure that the tribunal process runs smoothly and fairly, maintaining professionalism and impartiality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Does a SEND Tribunal Officer Need?
There are no specific qualifications mandated for SEND Tribunal Officers. However, individuals in this role typically possess a strong understanding of special educational needs and disabilities legislation, such as the Education, Health and Care (EHC) legislation.
Relevant qualifications may include a degree in law, education, social work, or a related field.
Additionally, experience in working with children with special educational needs and disabilities, knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, and familiarity with tribunal processes and procedures are highly beneficial.
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to analyse and evaluate evidence are also essential for effectively fulfilling the responsibilities of a SEND Tribunal Officer.
What Is the Average Salary of a SEND Tribunal Officer?
The average salary of a SEND Tribunal Officer in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £35,000 per year.
However, salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific organisation the SEND Tribunal Officer works for.
Who Employs a SEND Tribunal Officer?
SEND Tribunal Officers are typically employed by local authorities and educational institutions to ensure the fair and effective resolution of disputes related to special educational needs and disabilities.
While there may be regional variations in the structure and organisation of these services, the overarching goals are to represent the local authority, resolve the disputes quickly, and ensure 'fair and just' outcomes for children with SEND.
What Skills Does a SEND Tribunal Officer Need?
Key skills of a SEND Tribunal Officer include:
- A thorough understanding of the Education, Health and Care (EHC) legislation and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Familiarity with legal principles and procedures related to special educational needs and disabilities.
- The ability to analyse and evaluate evidence, identify key arguments, and assess the strength of a case.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to parents and stakeholders.
- Skills in facilitating dialogue, promoting collaboration, and resolving disputes through mediation and negotiation.
- Strong organisational skills to manage and prioritise multiple cases, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
- A keen eye for detail to review and assess complex documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Proficiency in conducting thorough research to gather relevant information and evidence to support cases.
- The capability to identify creative solutions, navigate complex issues, and address challenges that may arise during the tribunal process.
- An awareness and understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds and their potential impact on the SEND tribunal process.
- Maintaining high ethical standards, professionalism, and impartiality in all interactions and decisions.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development to stay updated on changes in SEND legislation, best practices, and new developments in the field.
Local Authority SEND Insights.
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