Head of Children and Young People Services

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Neath; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is seeking an inspirational Head of Service for Children and Young People Services to lead safeguarding, looked after children, fostering, family support and youth justice, ensuring positive outcomes for children and families.

As a member of the Corporate Leadership Team you will shape services, drive improvement and innovation, work with elected members and partners, and help deliver the council’s vision for children and young people across the region.

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join Neath Port Talbot Council as our Head of Children and Young People Services following the retirement of the current longstanding post holder.

We are looking for an inspiring and experienced leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. As a key member of our Corporate Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership across a diverse and important portfolio of services, ensuring that children are safe, supported and given every opportunity to thrive.

This is a role where you can make a genuine difference. You will shape the future of services, lead improvement and innovation, work closely with elected members and partners, and help deliver our vision for children and young people across Neath Port Talbot.

As Head of Service, you will lead a wide range of children’s services, including safeguarding, looked after children, fostering, family support, youth justice, early intervention services, the Emergency Duty Team and Hillside Secure Children’s Home. You will act as the Council’s principal adviser on Children and Young People Services and work with colleagues across Wales to drive improvement and deliver high quality services.

You will be responsible for ensuring that services meet their statutory duties, are financially sustainable, and continue to deliver positive outcomes for children, young people and families. You will also play an important role in shaping regional and national partnerships and helping the Council respond to future challenges and opportunities.

You will be a qualified social worker, registered with Social Care Wales, with significant senior leadership experience within children’s services. You will have a strong track record of leading complex services, managing substantial budgets and delivering improvement in a challenging environment.

Most importantly, you’ll share our commitment to putting children and young people at the centre of everything we do.

Recruitment Timeline

Application Closing Date: 19th of October 2026 at 12noon

Psychometric Testing: Week commencing 9th of November 2026

Assessment Centre: 17th/18th of November 2026

Special Appointments Committee – Final Interview: 8th December 2026

For further information please contact Sharon Porter-Thomas, HR Manager by email [e-mail]

Company: Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Salary: £89,565 – £98,298

Location: Neath Port Talbot (Castell-nedd Port Talbot), Neath Port Talbot (Castell-nedd Port Talbot)

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Sector: Health and Social Care

Job Role: Head of Service