Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting

Islington Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London seeks an Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting to lead services for Children in Care and care-experienced young people. The ideal candidate will have a social work background, significant experience in safeguarding, and a strong track record in managing change. This position offers opportunities to shape service delivery and make impactful changes while ensuring a commitment to equality and diversity. Excellent leadership and communication skills are essential.

Benefits

Up to 31 days leave, increasing to 36 after five years

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive pay, London Living Wage minimum

Excellent local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Local discounts

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Proven experience in safeguarding and corporate parenting.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to drive practice improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for safeguarding services.
• Collaborate across council and partner agencies.
• Act as a key conduit between the council and agencies.

Skills

Social work background

Experience with Children in Care

Change management

Communication skills

Partnership-building

Education

Qualified social worker with current registration

Job description

About The Role

Are you a visionary leader with a deep commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children in Care, Families and Care Experienced Young People?

If so, Islington Council is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the pivotal role of Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting within our Family Help and Safeguarding Service.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead on Corporate Parenting practice across the borough, driving innovation and excellence in service delivery. You will be at the forefront of leading our Children in Care, and Leaving Care service ensuring Islington continues to deliver an outstanding service to children and families. You will be part of a dynamic and innovative senior leadership team, working to shape drive and lead Islington into delivering on the Reform changes in helping to deliver the Family’s First Partnership programme. Relationship-based, trauma-informed approach underpins everything we do to support children and families. We are looking for a leader who is trauma informed and can provide relationship-based practice across Family Help and Safeguarding.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic leadership for safeguarding, a Looked After Children services and a dynamic Leaving Care Service. As well as leading the Children in Care, and working with our leaving care service, and supporting Care Experienced young people working closely with strategic partners in housing, education, and the wider stakeholder partnership
• Working closely with lead member and senior leaders across the council in promoting corporate parenting duties, and championing children in Care and care experienced young adults.
• Ensure that feedback from children, families, and partners informs service planning and delivery.
• Drive workforce development and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaborate across council services and with external partners to deliver integrated services for all children in care.
• Prepare the service for Ofsted and other external inspections.
• Act as a key conduit between the council and partner agencies, fostering a collaborative and resolution-focused approach.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our passion for safeguarding and equity. You will bring:

• A qualified social work background with current registration.
• Significant experience in working with Children in Care, Commissioning placements, delivering on Corporate Parenting and championing, and promoting best outcomes for children in care and care experience leadership.
• A strong track record in driving practice improvement and managing change.
• Deep knowledge of legislation Children Act 1989, Children and Social Work Act 2017 Children Act 2004 and Adoption and children Act 2002.
• A commitment to embedding EDI principles in everything you do.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and partnership-building skills.

Why Join Us?

At Islington, we are proud of our inclusive, forward-thinking social care services. We are deeply committed to improving outcomes for our most vulnerable children and families. Our team is passionate, skilled, and dedicated to relationship-based practice. As Assistant Director, you will have the opportunity to lead a high-performing service and make a lasting impact.

We value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Deborah Idris, Director of Family Help and Safeguarding. [e-mail]

Closing date: 18th of January at 23:59

Interview date: 29th of January.

Our offer to you

We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The post is subject to

An enhanced DBS check, Social Work England/HCPC registration, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confidential Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.