At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support teams to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and care leavers.
- Company: Join a dedicated service focused on making a real difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and a chance to shape impactful services.
- Other info: Immediate start with opportunities for professional growth and stability.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming the lives of children in care during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in children’s services and a strong understanding of statutory frameworks.
Initial 3–6 month contract | Start ASAP | £500–£550 per day | Inside IR35 (via umbrella) | Hybrid working (minimum 3 days per week in the office)
Are you an experienced Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers ready to step into a high-impact role where your leadership will directly shape outcomes for vulnerable young people? This is a critical opportunity for a confident Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers to support and stabilise an established service, leading from the front during a period of demand and complexity.
Your role as Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers:
- Provide strong operational leadership, ensuring statutory duties are delivered effectively
- Lead and support staff through high-pressure environments, promoting wellbeing and resilience
- Drive service performance and improvement, ensuring positive outcomes for children and care leavers
- Champion corporate parenting responsibilities, embedding best practice across teams
- Build and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
Your previous experience as Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers:
- Proven leadership within children in care services at senior management level
- Demonstrable experience supporting teams through challenging and complex periods
- Strong understanding of statutory frameworks, legislation, and inspection requirements
- Track record of driving performance, managing risk, and delivering outcomes
- Social Work qualification with extensive experience in a Local Authority setting
This is an urgent requirement with immediate impact – perfect for a Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers who can quickly establish credibility, provide strong leadership, and bring stability to a dedicated workforce.
If you’re interested in discussing this role in more detail or know someone who would be a strong fit for the Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers, please contact Leah Overend or David Midgley or apply today. We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation. Our clients are committed to building a diverse workforce. Recruiting decisions are based solely on skills and experience, and any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the process.
Head of Children in Care & Care Leavers employer: Baltimore Consulting
As a leading authority in children's services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our staff. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development ensures that you will thrive in a supportive environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people, where your leadership will be instrumental in driving positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Children in Care & Care Leavers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We suggest practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams through challenging times. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve made a positive impact on vulnerable young people.
✨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 are ready to make a difference in the lives of children in care.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Children in Care & Care Leavers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and improve outcomes for vulnerable young people.
Showcase Your Experience:In your application, emphasise your proven track record in children in care services at a senior management level. We want to see how you've supported teams through challenging times and how you’ve navigated complex situations successfully.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use straightforward language to convey your points effectively. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate well under pressure, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of statutory frameworks and legislation related to children in care. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just experienced, but also well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through challenging situations. Highlight your approach to promoting wellbeing and resilience among staff, as this is crucial for the role. Use specific scenarios to illustrate your impact.
✨Understand the Service's Needs
Research the current challenges faced by the service. Be ready to discuss how you would stabilise and improve performance, ensuring positive outcomes for children and care leavers. This shows that you’re proactive and solution-oriented.
✨Build Connections
Think about how you can build effective partnerships with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your experience in collaborating with internal and external parties, as this will be key in driving service improvement and maintaining strong relationships.