Service Director - Children's Social Care

About the role

Following a Good Ofsted judgement, West Berkshire is transforming its children's services and is recruiting a Service Director to join the Children's Services Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the postholder leads a significant portfolio covering Family Help, Safeguarding, Children in Care and Care Leavers, Children with Disabilities, Fostering and Kinship, Youth Justice, Quality Assurance and Practice Development. The role has genuine influence, helping to shape strategic direction, contribute to corporate priorities, lead complex change programmes and work across organisational boundaries to improve outcomes for children and families.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the portfolio of Family Help, Safeguarding, Children in Care and Care Leavers, Children with Disabilities, Fostering and Kinship, Youth Justice, Quality Assurance and Practice Development.
• Deputise for the Executive Director and represent West Berkshire across local, regional and national partnerships.
• Shape strategic direction and lead complex change programmes.
• Work across organisational boundaries to improve outcomes for children and families.

Required profile

• An accomplished and values-led leader with a strong track record of delivering excellent services, leading improvement and building effective partnerships.
• A combination of strategic vision and operational credibility.
• A deep commitment to practice excellence and a passion for the best outcomes for children and young people.