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- Tasks: Lead and transform Children's Services in Hampshire, ensuring quality and sustainability.
- Company: Hampshire County Council, a top-performing authority with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's services during transformative times in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Visionary leadership experience and ability to manage substantial budgets.
- Other info: Join a well-led organisation dedicated to delivering vital services to a diverse community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hampshire is a fantastic county, home to an increasingly diverse population with justifiably high expectations of their political leaders and public servants. The County Council is, and has been, consistently one of the top performing authorities in the Country in all key areas of service delivery across all externally validated measures. Not least, Hampshire's Children's Services have been judged as Outstanding on two consecutive occasions since 2019. It is a well-led organisation with an eye to the future and an enduring commitment to delivering vital services to the residents of Hampshire.
The County Council is hugely ambitious for the future but also retains a dedicated focus on the importance of upholding quality service delivery for today. Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation present a unique opportunity to secure the best possible outcomes for all of Hampshire's residents. For Children's Services, this means ensuring excellent services during a period of significant change and transformation.
The scale of the system is significant, with 550 schools and budgetary accountability of £500m. The challenges facing the sector nationally are ever present in Hampshire, with SEND and home to school transport pressures well recognised and addressed. Across the directorate, services are well-led and managed, well-regarded by children, young people and their families, and relationships with partners are constructive.
This means a professionally qualified and forward thinking Director of Children's Services is essential to lead the Directorate and its workforce as it navigates these major changes. As DCS, you will ensure the quality and sustainability of core services, provide leadership across the system and hold and develop key relationships with our partners and stakeholders in the face of change and degrees of uncertainty.
As a CMT member, you will make a full contribution to the leadership of the County Council and be skilled at working beyond directorate and organisational boundaries. Critical to this is that excellent services endure and form a key component of a public service system that is fit for future purpose.
You will bring the exceptional ability to lead high-performing organisations through periods of transformative change, leveraging the strengths of a talented team while effectively managing a substantial budget amidst evolving challenges and financial pressures within the sector and system. Irrespective of where you are now, you will be a visionary leader with the foresight, experience and leadership attributes to guide Hampshire's Children's Services through ambitious and transformative times. This is a pivotal role at a critical moment to shape the future of Hampshire.
To apply, please click 'Apply Now'. Closing date for applications: 5:00pm 13th February 2026.
Director of Children\'s Services (UK - Southeast England, UK) employer: Berwick Partners
Contact Detail:
Berwick Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Children\'s Services (UK - Southeast England, UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hampshire's Children's Services thoroughly. Understand their challenges and successes, and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead through change. Think about specific examples from your past that showcase your skills in managing teams and budgets effectively.
✨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 love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Children\'s Services (UK - Southeast England, UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Children's Services role. Highlight your experience in leading high-performing organisations and managing substantial budgets, as these are key aspects we're looking for.
Showcase Your Vision: We want to see your visionary leadership skills shine through! Share examples of how you've successfully navigated transformative change in previous roles, and how you plan to apply that experience to shape the future of Hampshire's Children's Services.
Highlight Collaborative Skills: Since this role involves working beyond directorate and organisational boundaries, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with partners and stakeholders. Share specific instances where you've successfully collaborated to achieve common goals.
Follow the Application Process: Don't forget to apply through our website by clicking 'Apply Now'. Make sure to submit your application before the closing date of 5:00pm on 13th February 2026. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current challenges and opportunities facing children's services, especially in Hampshire. Brush up on recent reports, policies, and any changes in legislation that could impact the role. This shows you’re not just interested but also informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams through change. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to manage budgets, navigate challenges, and foster collaboration across different stakeholders. This is crucial for a role that demands visionary leadership.
✨Engage with the Vision
Understand the County Council's ambitions for the future and be ready to share your vision for how you can contribute. Think about how you can uphold quality service delivery while driving transformation. This will demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their strategies for addressing SEND pressures or how they plan to maintain service quality during changes. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the position.
