the provision of financial advisors to suppor the delivery of the Safety Valve programme.

The department requires expertise and credibility across SEND and finance from a senior local authority background. We are procuring ex local authority CFOs to advise local authorities and the department on how to address the drivers behind their DSG deficits and manage their high needs systems sustainably.

Advisors will influence local authorities to maximise their DSG recovery plans and prioritise their delivery, as well as ensuring that the agreements which the department enters, are based on realistic and credible proposals. The advisers ensure that the programme, functions on a solid and realistic basis, maximising value for taxpayer money. This will be achieved through the reviewing of local authority monitoring reports, providing support for local authorities and via the financial advisor helpline.