At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vital service supporting children with complex needs and drive improvement.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and the chance to shape a critical service.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a commitment to diversity and equality.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's outcomes and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in children's social care and a qualified social worker.
3‑6 month interim contract – immediate start
£500‑£550 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working – 3 days on site
CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will take place week commencing ASAP.
This is a career‑defining opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with real influence and impact. Reporting directly into the Deputy Director, you will lead a critical service supporting children and young people with complex needs, holding strategic oversight, operational accountability and full budget responsibility.
As Head of Service, Children We Care For you will:
- Strategic leadership of statutory Children We Care For services, ensuring compliance, quality and continuous improvement
- Accountability for budget management, driving value for money while improving outcomes for children and care leavers
- Inspirational people leadership, embedding a culture of support, supervision, learning and high performance
- Partnership influence across health, education, commissioning and third sector organisations
- Risk management and quality assurance, using data, insight and professional judgement to manage complex cases
Your experience as Head of Service, Children We Care For:
- Senior leadership experience within children’s social care, operating at Head of Service or equivalent level
- Deep knowledge of looked after children, care leavers, unaccompanied children and transition into adulthood
- Proven track record of managing complex services and budgets in a high‑pressure statutory environment
- Strong background in performance management, supervision and workforce development
- Qualified social worker with current professional registration and commitment to ongoing CPD
You will be resilient, decisive and values‑driven, able to challenge constructively and lead confidently through change. In return, you will be trusted to shape the service, supported to lead flexibly and empowered to make a lasting difference.
If you're interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who would be a strong fit for the Head of Service, Children We Care For, please contact Sarah Macrae or Sarah Williamson or apply today.
We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do get in touch. Our clients are committed to building a diverse workforce and ensuring equality of opportunity. Recruiting decisions are based solely on skills and experience, and reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the recruitment process.
Head Of Service CLA employer: Baltimore Consulting Limited
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In this senior leadership role, you will have the unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people, while benefiting from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration across various sectors, we empower our leaders to drive meaningful change and develop their skills in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
Contact Detail:
Baltimore Consulting Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Service CLA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Sometimes, it's all about who you know, and a friendly nudge can lead to a great recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and its values, especially around children’s services. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams through challenges and improved outcomes. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in children's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Service CLA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Service role. Highlight your senior leadership experience and any specific achievements in children's social care that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Impact:In your application, don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase the impact you've made in previous roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to improve outcomes for children and young people. We love seeing how you've made a difference!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who is values-driven and resilient, so share your motivations and what inspires you to work in this field. Authenticity goes a long way with us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of looked after children, care leavers, and the statutory duties involved. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take on the challenges of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Think of specific examples where you've driven improvement and fostered a culture of support and high performance. This is your chance to shine as an inspirational leader!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex cases and manage risks. Prepare some scenarios from your past experience where you used data and professional judgement to make tough decisions. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's vision for the service and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
