Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vital service supporting children with complex needs and drive impactful improvements.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a 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 to influence positive change in a high-profile role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's futures while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in children's social care and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
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:
- Shape culture, drive improvement and ensure statutory duties are delivered to the highest standard, while keeping children firmly at the heart of every decision.
- Lead a large, multi‑disciplinary workforce, working across complex systems and partnerships including health, education, commissioning and the voluntary sector.
- Provide visible, high‑profile leadership that directly improves outcomes, reduces risk and strengthens corporate parenting responsibilities.
If you are motivated by challenge, influence and the opportunity to do things differently, this is a role you will want to explore.
Your role as Head of Service, Children We Care For includes:
- 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 should include:
- 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 in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Baltimore Consulting Limited
Contact Detail:
Baltimore Consulting Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Service CLA in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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. A personal recommendation can go a long way, especially for senior roles like Head of Service.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and its values, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Be ready to discuss how you can drive improvement and support children and young people effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share examples of how you've led teams through change and improved outcomes. Highlight your ability to manage complex services and budgets under pressure.
✨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 here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Service CLA in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Service role. Highlight your leadership experience in children's social care and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting children and young people with complex needs. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvement and shaped culture in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We want to know how you inspire and support your team, especially in high-pressure environments. Share stories that illustrate your ability to lead through change and foster a culture of high performance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
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 this senior leadership role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Think about 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 previous experience where you used data and professional judgement to make tough decisions. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about the organisation's goals and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can make a real impact. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and vision.