Head of Children's Homes and Family Time

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in Ipswich is seeking a dynamic Head of Children's Homes and Family Time Services. This role requires a visionary leader to shape and improve care provision for children and families. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, compliance management, and fostering strong partnerships. Candidates should possess a Social Work degree and significant leadership experience. The position offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Health and wellbeing benefits

Training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in children's services.
• Experience as a Responsible Individual with Good/Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and service commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of services.
• Develop and implement the Children's Homes Strategy.
• Ensure safe and nurturing environments for children.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Child safeguarding

Compliance with regulations

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address:Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary: £72,329 - £81,708 per annum (pro rata if part time)
• Hours:37 hours per week,flexible working options available
• Contract:Permanent

Are you a dynamic and visionary leader passionate about improving outcomes for Children in Care? Suffolk County Council is looking for a Head of Children's Homes and Family Time Services to shape, lead and continuously improve our provision for children and their families across the county.

Your role

As Head of Service, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-quality, compassionate care for children in our residential homes and ensuring meaningful family connections through our Family Time Service.

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting, you will be part of the senior leadership team, driving strategic development, operational excellence, transformation and innovation across the service.

You will also act as the Responsible Individual for our regulated provision, ensuring compliance with national standards and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and co-production with children, families, and partners.

Your responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and operational oversight of Children's Homes and Family Time Services
• Development and implementation of a refreshed Children's Homes Strategy
• Ensuring high-quality, safe, and nurturing homes for Children in Care
• Developing and implementing Suffolk's approach to supporting vulnerable children in or on the edge of the care system
• Building strong partnerships and integrated service planning with internal and external stakeholders
• Leading on service workforce development and budget management
• Representation at political forums and contribution to countywide strategic planning

You will need

• A Social Work degree and significant senior leadership experience in children's services
• Experience as a Responsible Individual with a track record of achieving Good/Outstanding Ofsted outcomes
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, safeguarding, and service commissioning
• Inspirational leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to equity and inclusion
• A passion for improving outcomes for children and young people
  

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word) .

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

Suffolk County Council is on an exciting improvement journey. With a new DCS and a refreshed leadership team, we are committed to delivering outstanding services for children and families. You will join a supportive, ambitious, and forward-thinking service that values innovation, inclusion, and professional growth.

Join us and be part of a team that supports your development from the start, helps you diversify your skills, and builds an influential and impactful career.

Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report .

For more information

Please contact Fiona Van Den Hout for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07500 667421 or emailing [e-mail] .

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word) .

Step 2 - Click Apply Now' to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a CV and covering letter (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412.If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 17 August 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) .