Bedford Borough is delivering an ambitious programme of SEND transformation, bringing together education, health and care partners to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Manager for SEND Programme to lead this work. This is an exciting opportunity to shape strategic change across the local area, working jointly with Bedford Borough Council and the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) to deliver our Local SEND Reform Plan, Joint SEND Strategy and wider improvement programme.

This is a varied leadership role, combining strategic programme management with operational oversight. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee the Local Offer and SENDIASS, champion co-production with children, young people and families, and work closely with senior leaders across education, health, social care and the voluntary sector to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements.

If you are an experienced programme leader with a passion for partnership working, service improvement and improving outcomes for children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

We Offer

Permanent contract
Opportunity to lead one of Bedford Borough's most
Significant transformation programmes
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate
Opportunities to work with senior leaders across education, health and care
A supportive and collaborative working environment
Continuing Professional Development opportunities
Local Government Pension Scheme
Generous annual leave entitlement

To Join Us, You Will

Have significant experience leading large-scale programmes or transformation projects
Have experience of working strategically across education, health and care partnerships
Have experience of leading and managing staff and services
Be committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
Have excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.

Closing Date: 11th September 2026

Interview Date: 18th September 2026

How To Apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria. An optional CV template is provided below.

Please Note

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)
a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only)

unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Bedford Borough Council

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Manager for SEND programme