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- Tasks: Lead strategic commissioning and provider services to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Join Sandwell Children’s Trust, dedicated to empowering children and families in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous annual leave, and a relocation package up to ÂŁ6500.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic commissioning and knowledge of fostering regulations required.
- Other info: Applications close on 18th May 2025; we value diversity and support reasonable adjustments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Permanent, Full time with Hybrid working supported
ÂŁ72,145 - ÂŁ82,163 per annum
Additional Benefits:
- Relocation package up to ÂŁ6500
- Defined benefits pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 20.5%
- Annual leave of up to 31 days plus 8 Bank Holidays, plus a concessionary day at Christmas, plus up to 5 additional days for long service recognition and the opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days holiday
- Paid birthday off - in addition to the annual leave entitlement
- Employee benefits scheme including lease cars, bike scheme, salary sacrifice for new technology and high street discounts
- Service awards from 2, 5, 10 and every 5 years onward
At Sandwell Children’s Trust, we firmly believe that the voice of the child should be at the centre of everything we do. We are on an ambitious journey to ensure that children and families in Sandwell are safe and empowered to thrive.
As part of Sandwell Children’s Trust’s ongoing journey, we are looking to appoint a Head of Commissioning and Provider Services. This is an incredible opportunity for a visionary leader to join us during this transformational period. As the Head of Strategic Commissioning & Provider Services, you will spearhead our newly formed department, encompassing the Trust’s Ofsted-rated Good Internal Fostering Agency, Hollies Family Time Centre, strategic commissioning, and home-finding (placements) functions.
You will play a pivotal role in planning, managing, and delivering high-quality services that align with our mission of creating better futures. This position requires a balance of strategic vision and operational expertise to ensure we commission responsibly while achieving the best outcomes for children and families.
Commissioning and home-finding plays a key role in delivering the strategic objectives and it is more important than ever that we organise and commission support that not only maintains and enables the development and delivery of good quality effective services; but also ensures we are seizing new opportunities, commissioning responsibly, and getting the best financial and social value for public expenditure within a balanced budget which also brings new opportunities, innovation and collaboration.
Your role is crucial in leading the development of high-quality relationships with both internal and external partners throughout the Trust and the wider Sandwell and Metropolitan Borough. This engagement fosters strong leadership and ambitious goals for our families and adults, who are essential stakeholders in all our commissioning decisions.
Your Key Responsibilities as Head of Commissioning & Provider Services
- Develop and manage services with a focus on quality, innovation, and social value.
- Forge strong relationships with internal and external partners, driving system-wide improvements for children and families.
- Champion co-designed solutions and preventative strategies, working collaboratively to build resilience for children, young people, adults, parents/carers and communities.
- Deliver the key aspects of the Trust’s Sufficiency Strategy in relation to this role.
- Align resources effectively, focusing on evidence-based approaches to achieve clear, measurable outcomes.
- Being clear and consistent about the outcomes we expect and judging what we do against them.
Your skills & attributes as the Head of Commissioning & Provider Services
- A strong track record of strategic commissioning and home finding experience within a children’s services setting.
- Experience of relevant Fostering regulations and national minimum standards to be able to offer management and leadership support to the registered manager for the IFA to build high quality services.
- An understanding of the policy context and knowledge of current relevant legislation and statutory duties/best practice in the field of children’s services.
- A strong track record in creating & sustaining successful partnership working, problem solving and leading teams.
- Proven experience of directly impacting high quality, effective services through improvement initiatives, bringing innovation and efficiency whilst maintaining value for money.
- You will be knowledgeable, enthusiastic and experienced in service reform programmes and have an excellent understanding of the agenda for children.
By joining our team, you will be making a real difference in the lives of children and families. We are dedicated to driving meaningful change and ensuring the best outcomes for those we serve.
Deadline for applications is Sunday 18th May 2025, or for a confidential discussion about this role, please contact our recruitment partners at Baltimore Consulting. Together, let’s create a brighter, safer future for Sandwell’s children.
Sandwell Children’s Trust are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.
Head of Commissioning & Provider Services employer: Baltimore Consulting LTD
Contact Detail:
Baltimore Consulting LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commissioning & Provider Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in strategic commissioning and home-finding within children's services. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of children's services, particularly those involved in commissioning and fostering. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in previous roles. Highlight your experience in creating partnerships and driving improvements, as these are key aspects of the Head of Commissioning & Provider Services role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Sandwell Children’s Trust thoroughly, including their mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their goals and challenges will enable you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commissioning & Provider Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your strategic commissioning and home-finding experience, particularly within children's services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage high-quality services and foster strong partnerships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for improving outcomes for children and families. Discuss how your vision aligns with the Trust's mission and provide examples of how you've successfully led initiatives in similar roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your understanding of fostering regulations, national minimum standards, and current legislation in children's services. Showcase your problem-solving skills and your track record in creating effective partnerships.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and free from any mistakes to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting LTD
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Commissioning & Provider Services role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with the mission of Sandwell Children’s Trust. This will help you articulate your vision and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to discuss your strategic commissioning experience and how it has led to successful outcomes in previous roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've driven innovation and collaboration in service delivery, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Highlight your ability to forge strong relationships with both internal and external partners. Share specific instances where your collaborative approach has led to improved services or outcomes for children and families, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about challenges you’ve faced in commissioning and how you navigated them, ensuring you focus on the impact of your actions on service quality and social value.
