SEND Consultant

Background

In partnership with Natspec we have developed a framework of skills competitions for SEND learners and wish to extend this as part of our mainstream skill competition activity. The work will incorporate extending the scope of the current offer, advising on appropriate activity, and appointing organisations to lead on the design, delivery and quality of a suite of vocational skills competitions for learners. Competition activity is a great way to raise aspirations, improve learners’ skills and employment prospects, strengthen learning programmes and introduce an element of excitement into the vocational curriculum.

WorldSkills UK’s current set of vocational skills competitions (Inclusive Skills) are appropriate for SEND learners working towards an entry level 3 or level 1 qualification. Our competitions link curriculum learning to careers and provide opportunities for learners to develop employability skills and apply their knowledge in practical, work-related situations.

Our vocational skills competitions for SEND learners are managed by partner organisations known as Competition Organising Partners (COPs), who are responsible for overseeing registrations, competition design, planning and delivery.

Role Purpose

The purpose of this role is to provide specialist advice and guidance to WSUK and existing organising partners on the design, delivery, implementation and evaluation for inclusive skills competitions 2020 and beyond.

We are seeking to appoint a specialist to provide advice and guidance to WSUK as an organisation and our delivery partners to ensure that our vocational skills competitions for SEND learners are designed to accommodate the specific needs of the young people, as well as ensuring that the competition proposition for SEND learners meets requirement and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

The following is an outline of the key activities for this role, for both WorldSkills UK and the Competition Organising Partner:

WorldSkills UK

- Develop a SEND plan for WorldSkills UK as part of our diversity and inclusion strategy

- Developing an appropriate delivery model and quality assurance framework to operate vocational skills competitions for SEND learners

- Supporting the development of standards and entry criteria of participants

- Support WSUK to grow the capability of our delivery team and to facilitate knowledge transfer between competitions expertise and SEND expertise

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- Signpost advise and guide WSUK to appropriate training and development opportunities for our staff and our partners

- Support delivery of the competitions at WorldSkills UK LIVE 2019 that take place at Birmingham NEC

- Participate in meetings and reviews to share best practice and learning from the UK

- Advise WSUK on the development of a steering group for inclusive skills

- Advise WSUK on best practice for FE providers with regard to embedding skills competitions activity into the curriculum for SEND learners

- Developing support resources and running webinars to assist providers engage in skills competitions

Developing the messages and web content to support promotion and marketing of the vocational skills competitions for SEND learners

- Establish an evaluation framework for vocational skills competitions

Competition Organising Partners

- Guidance on competition design and delivery of skills competitions

- Equality proofing competition materials so that they are user friendly, ensuring that the correct terminology is used and, any potential barriers to entry or participation are removed

Advising COPs on reasonable adjustments – how to identify and respond to specific requests

Person Specification

Key: [E] Essential / [D] Desirable

Qualifications and experience

- Extensive experience and background of working in the area of special educational needs [E]

- Experience of working with or for the FE sector, including mainstream and specialist providers, and partners in the public, private and third sector [E]

Knowledge and skills

- Knowledge of current relevant legislation and SEN code of practice and its practical implementation [E]

- Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders [E]

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to produce clear, concise plans and records of observation [E]

- Ability to develop project plans and frameworks and advise on their implementation [E]

- Ability to provide advice, guidance and direction to organisations to develop their systems and processes and capacity to fully understand and embed SEND requirements [E]

- A sound knowledge of safeguarding [E]

- Flexible and with the use of own IT equipment and transport [E]

Personal qualities

- Very reliable and with a high level of probity. [E]

- Able to work to own initiative with broad direction. [E]

- Able to think creatively and solve problems. [E]

- Possess a strong work ethic and desire to achieve results [E]

- Flexible in working methods and ideas. [E]

- Excellent team player and collaborative approach to work. [E]

- Enthusiastic and able to motivate others. [E]

- Respect for diversity and inclusion with practical ideas for their implementation within the scope of the post [E]

Number of Days and Day Rate

Currently WSUK has a skills gap relating to our understanding of supporting SEND learners. This requires equipping staff and our partners with the right level of understanding of being compliant with SEND requirements to ensure we are fully meeting the requirements of young people with disabilities, learning and support needs.

It is therefore critical that we are able to bring in an experienced and specialist practitioner to help us address these gaps in knowledge and expertise.

We are seeking 40 days of consultancy from this point to March 2020 to help us achieve critical milestones such as LIVE and the lead up to launching a new cycle of competitions in spring 2020.

A delivery plan with key deliverables will be established in consultation with the appointed consultant and the 40 days will be mapped against these.

Applicants are asked to quote their required daily charge rate.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted no later than midday on 31st July 2019 and should include:

- a curriculum vitae detailing your full career history; and

- a supporting statement with evidence of your suitability for the role, taking into account the points listed in the role description and person specification (throughout the recruitment process we will be looking for examples and evidence of your experience, knowledge and skills).

Applications should be submitted by email or post (marked ‘Private and Confidential’) to:

- Meryem Ozbiloglu

- Senior Human Resources Manager at jobs@worldskillsuk.org

It is intended that interviews will be held in London w/c 5th August 2019 short-listed candidates will be advised of the process.

WorldSkills UK is committed to making appointments on merit by fair and open processes, taking account of equality and diversity.