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Executive Director Children Young People

Borough of Lewisham

Greater London

Hybrid

GBP 166,000 - 174,000

Full time

Yesterday

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Job summary

A progressive local authority in Greater London seeks a visionary leader as Executive Director of Children & Families. The role demands a strong track record in social care or education, with an emphasis on innovation and collaboration. You will lead a service recognized for excellence, driving further improvements in children's wellbeing and empowerment. Benefits include a competitive salary of £166,755 to £173,133 and a flexible working model. Candidates must demonstrate fiscal management and organizational leadership skills.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Local Government Pension scheme

Flexible working and family friendly policies

Season ticket and bicycle loans

Staff discounts including subsidised gym memberships

Supportive staff networks

Qualifications

Significant experience in senior systems leadership, with a focus on child and family services.
Ability to communicate purpose with clarity and build partnerships.
A track record of driving innovation and exceeding standards.

Responsibilities

Lead a service that has achieved recognized standards in children's care.
Drive transformation using data insight and evidence-based decision-making.
Engage with a corporate team, elected members, and health partners.

Skills

Fiscal Management

Fundraising

Assisted Living

Management Experience

Hospice Care

Nonprofit Management

Operations Management

Strategic Planning

Budgeting

Grant Writing

Leadership Experience

Public Speaking

Education

Relevant leadership experience in social care or education

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UKs first Borough of Sanctuary for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Lewishams Childrens Services have undergone significant transformation from a double Requires Improvement judgement to a service praised for its care, compassion and ability to meet the needs of young people. This improvement was driven by strategic investment, a relentless focus on quality and the leadership of a DCS who gave confidence to the system and inspired change.

But Lewisham is not standing still. As one of ten Families First for Children Pathfinder authorities it is helping to shape national reform. The redesign of Family Help and Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams, the School Cluster model and the expansion of Family Hubs are already delivering impact. Lewisham is at the front edge of the curve and intends to stay there.

The next phase is about sustainability and innovation. The council is looking for a leader who can maintain high standards and who can embed transformation through strong data insight and evidence-based decision-making. SEND remains a key challenge particularly around the high needs block and system-wide collaboration with health partners amid ICB restructuring. You’ll need to bring grit, vision and the ability to lead confidently in a complex and evolving landscape.

Whats the role

Lewisham Council is seeking a bold, compassionate and visionary leader to become our next Executive Director of Children & Families. This is a rare opportunity to lead a service that has not only achieved a Good rating across all Ofsted domains but is now nationally recognised for its innovation, relational practice and commitment to equity.

Whats in it for you

Generous holiday allowance
Local Government Pension scheme
Flexible working and family friendly policies
Season ticket and bicycle loans
A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
Supportive staff networks

What we're looking for

Whether your background is in social care or education we are looking for an exceptional leader who can demonstrate senior systems leadership experience, can communicate purpose with clarity and who has the ability to build on our already strong partnerships in a dynamic and changing environment.

You’ll be part of a strong corporate team and work with a Mayor and elected members who are all deeply motivated to secure the best outcomes for the children, young people and families within the borough.

This is not a role for someone looking to maintain the status quo. It’s for a leader who wants to shape a legacy, drive innovation and make a lasting difference in the lives of Lewisham's children and families.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Applicant handbook

Applicant handbook – please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

Salary

166,755 to 173,133 per annum (DIR 1)

N.B.: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale) which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme; further details are available at Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works please email and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

Required Experience

Director

Key Skills