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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 Guildford 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 Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand Hampshire’s Children’s Services and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Children\'s Services in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and what Hampshire is all about. Dive into the job description and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to see that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We love seeing genuine passion and enthusiasm for the role. Don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and insights that make you stand out from the crowd.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight relevant achievements and skills that directly relate to the Director of Children’s Services position. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious goals!
Check Your Details: Before hitting that 'Apply Now' button, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is super important for a leadership role like this. We’re excited to see your best work!
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 complex challenges. This is crucial for a role that demands visionary leadership.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to forge strong partnerships with stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you’ve collaborated effectively across organisational boundaries. This will illustrate your readiness to work within a well-led organisation like Hampshire’s County Council.
✨Be Future-Focused
Discuss your vision for the future of Children’s Services in Hampshire. Share innovative ideas on how to maintain quality service delivery amidst change. This will show that you’re not only thinking about today but also about the long-term sustainability of services.
