Assistant Director Children's Social Care

Bath & North East Somerset Council; Keynsham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Keynsham seeks an Assistant Director to lead children's services, focusing on safeguarding and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families. The candidate should have a social work qualification and a strong background in children's services. This role promotes collaborative relationships with partner agencies to ensure effective service delivery.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Supportive workplace environment

Qualifications

• Substantial evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience as a senior manager of social work services.
• Broad background in children's services.

Responsibilities

• Deliver outcomes for vulnerable children and their families.
• Operational management of statutory children’s services.
• Collaborate with partner agencies for safeguarding.
• Develop children's services and embed best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Child safeguarding

Collaboration with agencies

Strategic planning

Education

Recognised professional social work qualification

Membership of Social Work England

Job description

Overview

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives. In Bath and North East Somerset we are dedicated to delivering great outcomes for children and young people. We work in a child centred and family focused way to support children to thrive. As Assistant Director you will play a pivotal role in securing the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. You will be responsible for a range of targeted and specialist prevention services including our children’s centres and for all statutory children’s social care services. We are looking for someone with an exceptional track record of improving children’s lives and a shared commitment to driving standards. You will put children and young people at the heart of everything you do. We are committed to becoming an outstanding service. If you are driven, passionate, and determined to make a tangible difference in improving young lives, join our team on this journey.

Responsibilities

To secure the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children and their families through the effective and efficient operational delivery of a range of specialist and targeted preventative services for children and young people, including the key statutory children’s services such as social care, children’s centres, child exploitation and the youth offending service.

A focus on early support and prevention is a priority to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people across the age range through the provision and commissioning of a range of preventative and specialist services.

A focus on safeguarding children from harm by ensuring effective identification and responses and effective decision making to protect children. This requires strong, collaborative working relationships with key partner agencies.

A focus on positive care outcomes to ensure that when we look after children that they are well supported to aspire and achieve. Ensure sufficient and outstanding provision of care services for children and young people in care and care leavers, including disabled children and those who are neurodivergent.

A focus on continuous service and staff development as we develop the Family First Programme of reforms and further embed our practice approach.

A strong and effective relationship with corporate colleagues to support the development of children’ directorate and wider council priorities.

Accountabilities

The post holder will report to the Director of Children Services & Education to ensure the delivery of agreed outcomes and ensure an integrated approach to delivery.

To oversee the fulfilment of all Statutory duties in respect of:

• Children and young people receiving education and/or social care, looked after children/in custody and care leavers.
• Ensuring an integrated approach to children’s social care and education safety, ensuring the educational, social and emotional needs of children and young people are considered together.
• Safeguarding children, children and young people in need and/or at risk of significant harm.
• Child Exploitation and Youth Justice services.
• To ensure Ofsted regulated services conform to all requirements and are prepared for inspections.
• To lead on the Corporate Parenting and Care Leaving duties of the local authority.

Specific Qualifications, Training, Experience Or Knowledge Required

• Recognised professional social work qualification.
• Substantial evidence of continuing professional development.
• Membership of Social Work England.
• Evidence of experience as a senior manager of social work services with a broad background in children\'s services.

How to apply

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Jean Kelly, Director of Children’s Services and Education on 01225 394930 or email.

Interview date

Interview date: Wednesday 10th December 2025.

No agencies please.

Additional notes

Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

About Bath And North East Somerset Council: Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at. We are a Disability Confident Employer; The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs. Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.