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- Tasks: Lead and transform Hampshire's Children's Services to ensure 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 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.
Closing date for applications: 5:00pm 13th February 2026
Director of Children\'s Services in Peterborough 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 Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working in Hampshire’s Children’s Services. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends and challenges in children’s services. Show us you’re not just a leader but a visionary who understands the landscape and is ready to tackle the issues head-on.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences leading teams through change. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and how they align with our ambitious goals.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our fantastic team in Hampshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Children\'s Services in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for children's services shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families in Hampshire.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading high-performing organisations and managing substantial budgets. We’re looking for someone who can navigate change effectively, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages come across clearly. This will help us understand your vision and leadership style.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this pivotal role in shaping Hampshire’s future.
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 a pivotal role, so demonstrating your leadership prowess is key!
✨Build Relationships
Discuss your approach to building and maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders. Share specific instances where your collaborative efforts have led to positive outcomes. This will illustrate your ability to work beyond organisational boundaries, which is crucial for this position.
✨Be Visionary
Articulate your vision for the future of Children’s Services in Hampshire. Think about how you can contribute to the County Council's ambitious goals while ensuring quality service delivery. A clear, forward-thinking vision will set you apart from other candidates.
