Job Introduction
Early applications are encouraged as we may close the advert ahead of the stated closing date.
Join our newly formed Independent Travel Training team within the School Transport Service and play a leading role to help shape a service that empowers young people to become confident, independent travellers.
As an Independent Travel Trainer Lead Officer, you’ll support our mission to help children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to build the skills and confidence they need to travel independently and take positive steps toward adulthood.
This brand‑new role offers you the chance to develop and coordinate a dedicated team, establish high-quality standards, and contribute to a service that makes a meaningful, lasting impact on young people and their families’ lives.
What you’ll do:
- Lead, support and motivate a new team of Independent Travel Trainers, ensuring consistent and high‑quality delivery across Hampshire.
- Oversee the planning, scheduling and allocation of travel training activities, aligning them with young people’s individual needs and broader service priorities.
- Coordinate and promote the Independent Travel Training curriculum, ensuring it is implemented effectively and that personalised training plans are developed from thorough assessments.
- Collaborate with families, schools, transport providers and professionals to raise awareness of the programme and ensure effective joint working.
- Monitor and evaluate performance, keeping accurate records, reviewing data, gathering feedback, and driving continuous improvement.
- Support safe and effective community‑based delivery, ensuring risk assessments and safeguarding requirements are fully met.
- Work flexibly across office, community and remote settings, representing the service and contributing to the wider aims of the Council.
What we’re looking for:
You will be someone who:
- Is passionate about improving outcomes for young people with SEND, with a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity and safeguarding.
- Brings strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, organise and support a team.
- Has experience working with children or young people with SEND and engaging confidently with families and professionals.
- Demonstrates excellent planning, coordination and organisational skills, including accurate record‑keeping and working with data.
- Communicates clearly with a wide range of people, and builds positive, trusting relationships, working well both independently and as part of a team.
- Must be willing and able to work flexible hours and to travel to several places within a working day.
Why join us:
- Make a real difference every day - You’ll be helping young people gain vital life skills that support their independence, confidence and wellbeing.
- Shape a brand‑new service - Contribute to the development of travel training in Hampshire from the ground up.
- Supportive team environment - You’ll be part of an inclusive, collaborative forward-thinking team that values innovation, collaboration and professional growth
- Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.
To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.
Other roles you may have experience of may include: Independent Travel Training Coordinator, Independent Travel Training Manager, Independent Travel Education Lead, Travel Skills Development Coordinator, SEND Travel Training Lead, SEND Independence Skills Lead Officer, Travel Skills Lead Trainer, Travel Support Lead Trainer, Special Educational Needs Travel Support Lead.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
