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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 of £185k, hybrid working arrangements, and impactful leadership role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's services during transformative times in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Visionary leader with experience in managing high-performing organisations and substantial budgets.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team focused on delivering vital services to a diverse community.
The predicted salary is between 111000 - 259000 £ 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 find out more about this exceptional role, please speak with our advisor at Berwick Partners Jonathan Clark on +44 7736 818185. To apply, please click 'Apply Now'. Closing date for applications: 5:00pm 13th February 2026.
Director of Childrens Services, Hampshire County Council, Winchester (with hybrid arrangements), 185k (Winchester) employer: Berwick Partners
Contact Detail:
Berwick Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Childrens Services, Hampshire County Council, Winchester (with hybrid arrangements), 185k (Winchester)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Hampshire County Council. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and decision-makers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in children's services and the specific challenges Hampshire is facing. Show that you’re not just a candidate but a thought leader ready to tackle these issues head-on.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to convey your vision for the role clearly and confidently. Think about how your experience aligns with the ambitious goals of Hampshire's Children's Services and be ready to share specific examples.
✨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 and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Childrens Services, Hampshire County Council, Winchester (with hybrid arrangements), 185k (Winchester)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Hampshire County Council is looking for a visionary leader, so make sure your application reflects an understanding of their values and the challenges they face in Children's Services.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your relevant experience in leading high-performing organisations, especially during transformative times. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage substantial budgets and navigate complex challenges within the sector.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for improving children's services. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website by clicking 'Apply Now'. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this pivotal role in shaping the future of Hampshire.
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Hampshire's current challenges and successes, especially in Children's Services. Familiarise yourself with recent reports and statistics that highlight the council's achievements and areas for improvement. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change. Think about specific situations where you’ve navigated challenges, managed budgets, or improved service delivery. Be ready to discuss your vision for leading Children's Services in Hampshire and how you plan to maintain high standards during transformative times.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working with various partners and stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you’ve built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative approach and any successful partnerships you've fostered that have led to positive outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking. Inquire about the council's plans for addressing SEND pressures or how they envision the future of Children's Services amidst local government changes. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also in the broader context of the organisation.
