Inclusive Practise Project Lead

Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Posted On 13/01/2026

Job Information

• Work Experience: 4-5 years
• Interim & Executive Management
• City: Ipswich
• Province: Suffolk
• Postal Code: IP1

Job Description

2 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• Suffolk County Council is seeking an experienced SEND / Inclusive Practice Project Lead to lead the delivery of a pilot programme aimed at strengthening inclusive practice and improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• The postholder will work within the Children and Young People's Programmes Team, leading social care and inclusion improvement projects aligned to the Families First Strategy.
• The role involves managing change, working in partnership with education leaders and stakeholders, and ensuring sustainable improvements are embedded into core service delivery.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead and manage the delivery of inclusive practice and SEND improvement projects across multiple localities.
• Develop, implement and evaluate a pilot programme to strengthen inclusive practice in schools, using robust data and evidence.
• Work in partnership with education leaders, social care professionals and wider stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of project plans, milestones, risks and dependencies.
• Use data and insight to drive service improvement and measure impact for children and families.
• Produce high-level reports, briefings and evaluations for senior leaders and governance boards.
• Contribute to the Families First Strategy, including risk management and mitigation.
• Support early intervention and prevention approaches within children's social care.
• Lead change management activity and embed sustainable improvements into business-as-usual services.
• Line manage and supervise staff where required, promoting high-quality practice and performance.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection, equality and statutory requirements.
• Build effective multi-agency partnerships and challenge practice constructively to improve outcomes.

Skills/Experience:

• Significant experience in project or programme management within children's services, SEND, education or social care.
• Strong understanding of SEND policy, inclusive practice and national children's services legislation.
• Proven ability to lead and deliver service improvement and change management initiatives.
• Experience working with data, performance frameworks and quality assurance to drive improvement.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including partnership working with schools, local authorities and external agencies.
• Demonstrable leadership and people management experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing for senior audiences.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management and statutory responsibilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Experience of working in a political or local authority environment (desirable).
• Knowledge of Signs of Safety, solution-focused approaches and evidence-based interventions (desirable).

Additional Information:

• Location: Hybrid - 3 days remote / 2 days office (Endeavour House, Ipswich).