Lancashire County Council

"We engaged Spencer Clarke Group over a sustained delivery period (8 months) to support backlog reduction and improve statutory compliance. Prior to engaging Spencer Clarke Group, the service was facing significant backlog pressures in both EHC Needs Assessments and EHCP drafting. This resulted in increasing delays against statutory timelines, capacity constraints within the internal workforce, and rising demand that outpaced available resource. There were also challenges in maintaining consistency and quality at scale while managing high caseloads.

Prior to using Spencer Clarke Group, we explored a range of approaches including internal recruitment, use of agency staff through traditional frameworks, and reprioritisation of existing team capacity. However, these measures did not deliver the scale or pace of improvement required to address the backlog effectively.

Spencer Clarke Group has had a significant positive impact on Lancashire County Council. They drafted approximately 2,300 EHCPs, facilitated co-production meetings with families, issued consultations to educational settings, entered cases into panel processes, and finalised plans. This comprehensive delivery model provided immediate capacity, reduced operational pressures, and enabled the service to regain control of workflow and performance.

The onboarding and mobilisation process was well-structured, efficient, and responsive. Spencer Clarke Group worked closely with our teams to understand local processes, systems, and expectations. They established clear workflows, communication channels, and governance arrangements early on, which enabled a smooth transition into delivery with minimal disruption.

The impact has been substantial. The additional capacity and end-to-end delivery model significantly reduced our backlog and improved adherence to statutory timelines. This support enabled us to move cases through the system more efficiently and reduce delays experienced by children and families.

The quality and consistency of EHCPs produced have been strong. Plans were comprehensive, clearly written, and aligned with statutory requirements. The application of quality assurance processes ensured a consistent standard across all plans.

The working relationship has been highly collaborative and professional. Spencer Clarke Group integrated well with our internal teams, maintained open communication, and were responsive to feedback and changing service needs.

The SEND team demonstrated a high level of expertise and professionalism. They showed a strong understanding of SEND legislation, co-production principles, and local authority processes, which translated into effective and reliable delivery.

The partnership has provided excellent value by delivering both capacity and capability. It has enabled the service to make measurable progress against backlog and performance challenges while maintaining quality standards. Their ability to deliver a structured, end-to-end SEND solution, combined with sector expertise and a collaborative approach, makes them a strong partner for local authorities facing similar challenges.

Unlike traditional recruitment agencies, Spencer Clarke Group provided a fully managed service rather than simply supplying staff. Their approach combined skilled professionals, operational structure, and quality assurance, enabling them to deliver outcomes rather than just resource.

Overall, Spencer Clarke Group has played a key role in supporting Lancashire County Council to stabilise its SEND service during a period of significant demand. Their contribution has helped improve timeliness, reduce backlog, and enhance the overall experience for children, young people, and families.”

SEND Team Manager