Solicitor - SEND Tribunal Team

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda - one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We're immensely proud of our flexible working options. The Opportunity The post holder will provide high level advice around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) appeals and other legal issues to the Tribunal Team and wider SEND Teams in Essex. This will involve drafting of responses, attending tribunal hearings and responding to judicial orders. You can expect to work collaboratively and cooperatively with our dedicated Tribunal Officers, the wider SEND Teams and other stakeholders, offering advice and recommendations, with the aim of reducing the numbers of SEND appeals. Extensive knowledge of SEN legislation, the Code of Practice and case law is required. Accountabilities Responsible for representing the Council at SEN Tribunal hearings, negotiating and liaising with legal representatives and advising the Council regarding the possible outcomes for the case. Support the SEND Strategy Lead - SEN Compliance with complex casework including parental appeals to the Tribunal, Ombudsman cases and judicial reviews. Provide high quality advice, support and training to Council teams involved with SEND hearings, to enable effective resolution over school and governing body responsibilities. Inform SEND workforce on changes to SEN statutory requirements, collaborating with senior staff to highlight implications for practice and support the effective implementation of the Council's Policies and the SEN Action Plan. Accountable for the production and maintenance of guidance notes for SEN staff to deliver governor training programmes, training on statutory requirements and on SEND appeal procedures, within the SEN framework. Maintain positive and effective relationships with schools, social care, health, and voluntary organisations ensuring that the required/directed evidence is received to meet judicial deadlines. Support early resolution of appeals through supporting proactive case management. Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

• Educated to degree level in law and evidence of continuing professional
• Evidence of extensive knowledge, understanding and practice in relation to the implementation of SEND legislation.
• Experience of working within a legal setting in a public service or private sector environment, providing routine legal advice is desirable although not essential.
• Experience of conducting SEN tribunal appeals and representing parties at tribunals.
• Experience of responding to ombudsman complaints and judicial reviews.
  
  As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service