
Tribunal Support Officer
Surrey County Council
Victoria Gate, Chobham Road, Woking, GU21 6JD£28,546 per annumPermanent36 hours per weekCloses: 2026-08-27
Job Introduction
We are committed to the development of our workforce.
This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council.
We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
This full-time, permanent position has a starting salary of £28,546 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.
We have a great opportunity for a new
Tribunal Support Officer
to join our fantastic SEND Tribunal Team based at Victoria Gate in Woking.
We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for two days per week on average, equivalent to 40% of the working week, and support working from home, or remote working for the rest of the time.
Our Offer to You
26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families in Surrey
About The Role
The SEND Tribunal Team works within a fast-paced statutory and legal framework, supporting Surrey County Council’s response to appeals registered with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal Service. The team works directly with parents and carers, schools, settings, legal representatives and professional partners to support effective case management, timely compliance with Tribunal directions and, wherever possible, constructive resolution for children and young people with SEND.
As a Tribunal Support Officer, you will play an important role in supporting the smooth running of Tribunal activity. You will provide organised, accurate and proactive support to Tribunal Officers and Assistant Tribunal Officers, helping the team to manage deadlines, maintain accurate records, prepare documentation and respond to enquiries in a timely and professional way.
Your key responsibilities as a Tribunal Support Officer will include:
Supporting the SEND Tribunal Team with the administration and coordination of appeal activity
Maintaining accurate case records, tracking actions and ensuring key dates and deadlines are clearly recorded
Monitoring team inboxes and responding to routine enquiries, escalating complex or urgent issues where required
Assisting with the preparation, collation and formatting of Tribunal documentation, including evidence and bundles
Supporting Tribunal Officers and Assistant Tribunal Officers to comply with Tribunal directions and internal processes
Liaising with parents, carers, schools, settings and professionals in a courteous, clear and professional manner
Organising meetings, calendars and case-related activity to support effective workflow across the team
Contributing to improved systems, processes and ways of working within the Tribunal Team
Working collaboratively with SEND colleagues to support relational, restorative and child-centred practice
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with
our behaviours
:
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to: prioritise competing demands, manage deadlines and maintain accurate records, administration and case tracking
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and professionally with colleagues, families and partner agencies
Confidence using a range of IT systems and digital tools to support case management, document preparation and effective information handling
The ability to quickly understand, interpret and work with detailed information within a statutory or process-driven environment, together with an understanding of the need for confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately
A positive, solution-focused and resilient approach, with the ability to remain calm and responsive while supporting colleagues, families and partners
A commitment to relational practice, inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
A Basic DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) will be required for this role.
This is a varied and rewarding role within a busy and sensitive area of work where you will need strong communication skills and the ability to work sensitively with families, professionals and colleagues, recognising that Tribunal activity can often feel challenging and emotive for those involved.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following questions:
Please tell us about a time when you had to manage several deadlines or competing priorities. How did you organise your work and ensure nothing was missed?
Please describe a situation where you had to communicate with someone about a sensitive or complex issue. How did you approach the conversation and what was the outcome?
Please give an example of when you had to work with detailed information or records. How did you make sure your work was accurate and up to date?
Please tell us about your experience of using IT systems or digital tools to support administration, casework or document preparation
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25.08.2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and
Our Life at Surrey Handbook
to get an insight into working at Surrey.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Rhianwen Best via email on
rhianwen.best@surreycc.gov.uk
.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here:
Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.