At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic commissioning for children's services and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
- Company: Join the innovative London Borough of Havering, committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with a focus on equality, diversity, and meaningful transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping future services.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership within children's services and strong partnership skills.
The predicted salary is between 93006 - 102705 € per year.
Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning (2 Year Fixed Term Contract), London Borough of Havering
Romford | Contract: Fixed Term (2 Years) | Grade: G13 | Salary: £93,006 - £102,705pa
About the Role
As Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Council’s Children’s Commissioning and Start Well Brokerage functions. Reporting to the Strategic Director of Resources, you will lead the commissioning cycle across a broad portfolio including SEND, Early Help, emotional wellbeing and mental health pathways, fostering, residential and semi-independent provision, and children’s accommodation markets.
You will work closely with senior leaders, elected Members, NHS partners, schools, providers and the voluntary sector to ensure services are co-produced, evidence-led and responsive to the needs of Havering’s communities. The role will also lead on market shaping, sufficiency planning and transformation programmes, ensuring high-quality placements and sustainable commissioning models that support improved outcomes and deliver Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings.
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience of strategic commissioning leadership within children’s services, social care, SEND or integrated public services
- A strong understanding of the full commissioning cycle, partnership commissioning and market shaping
- Proven experience of leading within complex, politically sensitive and multi-agency environments
- Strong knowledge of statutory responsibilities relating to Children’s Services, SEND and safeguarding
- Experience of leading transformation, continuous improvement and financial sustainability programmes
- The ability to build influential partnerships across local government, health, education and the voluntary sector
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to inspire high-performing teams
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for Children’s Commissioning and Start Well Brokerage services across Havering
- Lead commissioning activity across SEND, Early Help, emotional wellbeing, fostering, residential care and specialist provision
- Oversee brokerage, placement sufficiency and market management to secure safe, high-quality and cost-effective outcomes for vulnerable children and young people
- Lead transformation and improvement programmes that strengthen preventative and community-based support models
- Develop and implement market position statements, commissioning strategies and partnership plans
- Ensure commissioned services meet statutory, safeguarding, quality and performance requirements
- Drive innovation, service redesign and MTFS savings through robust commissioning and contract management approaches
- Work collaboratively with Adults’ Services to improve transitions and pathways into adulthood for young people
- Represent the Council at key partnership boards, including SEND, safeguarding and integrated care system forums
Why Havering?
Working for Havering means joining a forward-thinking council committed to innovation, collaboration and delivering the best possible outcomes for residents. We offer:
- A supportive and inclusive working environment guided by our ICARE values
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement with options to buy additional leave
- Access to learning, development and leadership opportunities
- Health and wellbeing support initiatives
- The opportunity to lead meaningful transformation that improves the lives of children and families
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve.
How to Apply
For more information about the position, please click Job Pack. Please attach your CV and supporting statement, outlining in no more than two A4 pages why you are suitable for this role and how you meet the essential criteria.
Please note: Applications will only be accepted via the official Apply button below. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Closing Date: Sunday 7 June 2026 midnight (we may close the vacancy early due to high interest). For recruitment enquiries regarding the role please email Talent@havering.gov.uk quoting REF 3943 Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning in the subject line. The hiring manager will be holding informal discussions about the post, please contact Kathy Freeman, Strategic Director of Resources, Kathy.Freeman@havering.gov.uk
Additional Information
The recruitment process may include multiple assessment stages, including stakeholder panels and formal interview. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents you upload.
The London Borough of Havering is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful applicants may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Havering is a Disability Confident employer – candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Internal candidates and redeployees will be given priority consideration.
Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning in Romford employer: Borough of Havering
The London Borough of Havering is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to employee development, this role as Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning provides a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that positively impact the lives of children and families in the community. Join us in making a meaningful difference while enjoying a fulfilling career in local government.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning in Romford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the council's current initiatives and challenges in children's commissioning. Being knowledgeable will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in complex environments. Highlighting your experience in transformation and partnership working will resonate well.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the Havering team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant projects you've led in children's services or social care.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the essential criteria and why you're passionate about improving outcomes for children and families in Havering.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Stick to the two A4 pages limit for your supporting statement, and make sure every word counts. We want to see your best self without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, applications need to be submitted through our official website. Don’t send your application via email, as we won’t be able to consider it. Let’s keep it simple and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Havering
✨Know Your Commissioning Cycle
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the full commissioning cycle, especially in children's services. Brush up on your knowledge of SEND and safeguarding responsibilities, as these will be crucial in your discussions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing complex, politically sensitive environments. Think of specific examples where you've inspired high-performing teams or driven transformation programmes.
✨Build Influential Partnerships
Be ready to talk about how you've successfully built partnerships across local government, health, education, and the voluntary sector. Highlight any collaborative projects that led to improved outcomes for children and families.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role involves delivering MTFS savings, come prepared with examples of how you've managed budgets effectively. Discuss any innovative approaches you've taken to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining service quality.
