Head of Children’s Regulated Services

Nottingham City Council; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,656 - 79,167; Full time

Job summary

A local government entity in Nottingham is seeking an exceptional leader for the role of Head of Children’s Regulated Services. You will lead and influence children's services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality support for vulnerable children and young people. The role requires a Registered Social Worker with a strong background in leadership and service transformation. You will work within a passionate team committed to making a difference in children's lives. This position offers a hybrid working model and competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in regulated children's services environments.
• Experience managing regulated services and navigating inspections.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership across regulated services.
• Act as Responsible Individual for fostering and residential care.
• Drive innovation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership in complex children’s services

Strategic delivery and service transformation

Financial acumen

Child-centred practice

Partnership and governance

Education

Registered Social Worker (Social Work England)

Relevant management qualification

Job description

Nottingham City Council – Head of Children’s Regulated Services

Nottingham City Council is seeking an exceptional leader to take on a transformative role as Head of Children’s Regulated Services. This is more than a job — it’s a chance to lead with purpose, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact in a city that’s ambitious for its children.

Role: Head of Children’s Regulated Services

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG

Worker Type: Hybrid

Salary: £70,656 (Level One) to £79,167 (Level Four) per annum

About the Role

You’ll be at the forefront of delivering high-quality, regulated services that support some of our most vulnerable children and young people. From children’s homes and fostering services to corporate parenting and semi-independent provision, you’ll lead a diverse portfolio with strategic vision and operational excellence.

Your leadership will directly influence the lives of children — helping them feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. Whether it’s ensuring a child finds a loving foster home, improving the quality of residential care, or strengthening the voice of young people in service design, your work will help unlock brighter futures.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership across regulated services
• Act as Responsible Individual for fostering and residential care
• Drive innovation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement
• Lead on placement sufficiency and commissioning strategies
• Champion co-production and child-centred practice
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted and statutory frameworks

What You’ll Bring

• Registered Social Worker (Social Work England) with a relevant management qualification
• Proven leadership in complex children’s services environments
• A strong track record of strategic delivery and service transformation
• Experience managing regulated services and navigating inspections
• Outstanding partnership, governance, and financial acumen
• Deep commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and corporate parenting

Why Nottingham? Why Now?

Nottingham is a city of energy, diversity, and ambition. We’re investing in our children’s services and committed to building better futures. You’ll join a passionate, forward-thinking team that’s determined to make a difference — and you’ll have the autonomy and support to lead boldly.

This is your opportunity to shape services that truly matter, influence policy and practice, and be part of a city-wide movement for change. The impact of your leadership will be felt in every child who finds stability, every young person who gains confidence, and every family who feels supported.

Ready to lead with impact?

We’d love to hear from visionary leaders who are passionate about children’s futures and ready to take the next bold step in their career.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements for appointment to: helen.pearson2 at nottinghamcity.gov.uk

• The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Friday 24th October 2025.
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled for week commencing 7th November 2025.

Please get in touch with Carolann.james at nottinghamcity.gov.uk if you would like an informal chat about the role.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other
• Industries: Government Administration

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