Business Systems and Data Management Officer

Job Description

Salary range:  Grade 10 (£45,123 - £47,262 p.a.)
Contract:  Fixed Term - 12 months 
Hours of work:  Part-time - 21 hours/3 days a week
Location: Croydon

About Croydon Council

Croydon is a diverse and vibrant borough, home to a growing population of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Croydon Council is committed to delivering high-quality services that support children, young people, and families. The SEND team plays a vital role in coordinating Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), ensuring appropriate provision is in place, and working closely with families, schools, and partners. Accurate and reliable data underpins all our statutory and operational work.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Data Management Officer to support a major data quality improvement programme within the Synergy SEND module. This role will focus on cleansing and validating SEND data to ensure accurate tracking of EHCPs, placements, reviews, and statutory timescales. Your work will directly support children and families across Croydon by improving the quality and accessibility of SEND information used for decision-making and statutory reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Cleanse and validate SEND records within the Synergy database, including EHCP status, provision, key dates, and case management information
• Identify and resolve inconsistencies, duplicate records, missing data, and incorrect formatting in line with SEND workflows
• Ensure accurate tracking of statutory deadlines for EHCP assessments, reviews, and transfers
• Collaborate with the SEND Casework, Planning, and Tribunal teams to verify and update data
• Support the preparation of statutory returns such as SEN2 and Local Area SEND Inspections
• Maintain detailed records of cleansing activities and contribute to improved data management practices
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and information governance requirements
• Use tools such as Excel, Synergy reports, and Power BI to support data monitoring and reporting

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience working with data in education Synergy module, SEND, or local government settings
• Strong Excel skills, including formulas, data validation, and data cleaning functions
• Familiarity with the Synergy system, particularly the SEND or EHCP modules
• High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and organisation
• Good understanding of SEND processes, EHCP workflows, and statutory responsibilities
• Ability to manage sensitive information confidentially and in line with data protection regulations
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work with operational and technical colleagues

Desirable

• Experience supporting SEND statutory returns (e.g. SEN2, Children in Need)
• Knowledge of Power BI, SQL, or other data tools used for tracking and reporting
• Experience in data preparation for Ofsted or SEND Area Inspections
• Understanding of the wider SEND system including schools, health, and social care interfaces

What We Offer

• A role that contributes directly to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND
• Supportive team culture and opportunities for professional development
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Comprehensive employee benefits and wellbeing support

• A chance to make a meaningful impact within a service committed to improvement and inclusion

   

About us

Croydon Council’s priorities

The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council’s new ways of working

Equal Opportunities Statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. 

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.