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- Tasks: Lead Hampshire's Children's Services through transformative change and ensure quality service delivery.
- 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 in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Visionary leadership experience and ability to manage substantial budgets.
- Other info: Join a well-led organisation dedicated to delivering vital services for Hampshire's diverse population.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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 ÂŁ500m. 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 in Exeter 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 in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Hampshire’s Children’s Services. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in leading teams through change. Share specific examples of how you've navigated challenges and delivered results – this is key for a role like Director of Children’s Services.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Research Hampshire County Council and reach out directly to express your interest in the Director of Children’s Services role. A personal touch can make all the difference and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for interviews and understand what Hampshire is looking for in a candidate. Make sure you check it out and get yourself ready to impress when the opportunity arises!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Children\'s Services in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and what Hampshire's Children’s Services are all about. Highlight your experience and how it aligns with their vision for the future.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for children's services and how you plan to lead during these transformative times.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the Director of Children’s Services position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered in the right context. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Hampshire’s Children’s Services and its recent achievements. Familiarise yourself with the challenges facing the sector, especially around SEND and home to school transport. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in the community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through transformative change. Highlight your experience in managing substantial budgets and navigating financial pressures. This is crucial for demonstrating that you can handle the responsibilities of a Director of Children’s Services.
✨Build Relationships
Discuss your approach to building constructive relationships with partners and stakeholders. Be ready to share specific instances where you’ve collaborated effectively across organisational boundaries. This will illustrate your ability to work within a complex system and lead with influence.
✨Vision for the Future
Articulate your vision for the future of Children’s Services in Hampshire. Think about how you would uphold quality service delivery while embracing change. This will help interviewers see you as a forward-thinking leader who can guide the organisation through ambitious times.
