Head of Service Specific Learning Difficulties presso ORC External

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Various across the County Endeavour House, Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX - Hybrid working, Community based working.
• Salary: £64,691 - £69,596 per annum  
• Hours: 37 hours, flexible working options available 
• Contract: Fixed term/secondment for up to 12 months

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Suffolk County Council. We're looking for a creative and driven Head of Service Specific Learning Difficulties to help us reimagine public services for the 21st century. If you’re passionate about finding new solutions and making a real difference, we want to hear from you.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities   

You will: 

• lead a team that supports schools to consider and review their practice and policies for children with Specific learning difficulties
• lead the operational and strategic delivery of the service 
• work closely with a range of senior colleagues across SES, Education & Learning, Children's Services and Health Partners etc 
• empower and work in partnership with school leaders to be pivotal in creating an inclusive and dynamic culture across Suffolk to facilitate good outcomes for children and young people with SEND and SpLD in particular
• have day to day operational management of the service 
• be accountable for the quality assurance of service delivery 
• have leadership of service development in line with service, local and national priorities, trends and research.  

You will need 

• Additional qualification in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) 
• a proven track record of successful leadership experience in a school or education setting 
• to demonstrate a commitment to whole school approaches and bespoke pupil strategies that improve inclusive practice and positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND-SPLD 
• a thorough knowledge and understanding of statutory policy and practice 
• an up to date understanding of current practices and approaches for children with SPLD bot at a strategic and individual level 

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.  

The team  

The Specific Learning difficulties team are a part of Suffolk’s Specialist Education Service.  

In this role, you will be supported senior leaders within SES and other members of the team that have a wide range of experience and knowledge to enable you to develop your skills and understanding. 

Shaping Careers and Learning  

We want to champion talent and seek to continuously develop everyone’s professional knowledge, potential and job satisfaction. Through accessible learning opportunities and clear career pathways we aim to identify individual strengths, diversify skill sets and enable people, from all walks of life, to build influential and impactful careers.  

Empowering Everyone 

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those who are Male, Asian or have a Minority Sexual Orientation. These groups are currently underrepresented in this directorate. 

For more information 

Please contact Rebecca Salmon or Sally Blackman for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 263264 (Rebecca Salmon) or 01284 763233 (Sally Blackman) or emailing  [email protected] or  [email protected] 

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). 

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template. 

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [email protected] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.  

Closing date: 14 October 2025 11:30 pm 

Interview date: 20 October 2025

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid 

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