We are looking for an experienced and proactive SEND Programme Officer to coordinate and deliver improvement activity across Bedford's SEND system. This is an exciting opportunity to help drive meaningful change, ensuring that programmes and projects are delivered effectively, progress is monitored and improvements lead to better outcomes for children, young people and their families.

Working alongside senior leaders, operational teams and partners across education, health and care, you will manage improvement activities, oversee project plans and monitor progress, risks and impact. You will also have operational responsibility for the Local Offer, leading its ongoing development and improvement and managing the Local Offer (SEND) Support Officer to ensure families can access clear, accessible and practical information and support.

If you have strong programme management skills, experience of leading change and a commitment to improving services for children and young people with SEND, we would love to hear from you.

We offer:

·       An opportunity to contribute to Bedford's ambitious SEND transformation programme.

·       The chance to work alongside senior leaders and partners across education, health and care.

·       A varied role supporting service improvement and better outcomes for children and young people.

·       Continuing Professional Development opportunities.

·       A supportive and collaborative team environment.

·       Local Government Pension Scheme.

·       Generous annual leave entitlement.

Closing date: 26th November 2026

Interview date: 10th December 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

Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.  Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.  

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