At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the future of children's services with a focus on collaboration and improvement.
- Company: BCP Council, dedicated to enhancing outcomes for children and young people.
- Benefits: Meaningful leadership role in a vibrant coastal region with a supportive culture.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to continuous improvement and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a fantastic quality of life.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in education or social care.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
Beside the sea, beyond expectations! At BCP Council, children and young people are at the heart of everything we do. This is an opportunity to join a council that has made significant progress. In 2025, we achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement, won the prestigious Municipal Journal (MJ) Local Government Achievement Award for Senior Leadership Team of the Year, and in 2026, secured a C1 rating for our Housing Services, marking significant progress in our improvement journey. We continue to build positively - while remaining ambitious about what comes next.
We are looking for our next Corporate Director of Children’s Services to provide energetic, values-led leadership across education, SEND, children’s social care and commissioning. This is a role for a collaborative and politically astute leader who understands that sustainable improvement comes through strong relationships, collective ownership and genuine corporate working.
At BCP Council, improving outcomes for children and young people is a collective responsibility - embedded across the whole organisation, not held within one directorate alone. As Corporate Director of Children’s Services, you’ll play an integral part in shaping the vision, direction and performance of the entire organisation and delivering the Council’s overall strategy. You will join an organisation where values genuinely matter and where culture, teamwork and shared accountability sit at the centre of how we lead.
We are seeking someone who will bring children and young people’s voices into the heart of the organisation, while working positively across the council, with partners and within a complex political and social care system environment. There are important priorities ahead: strengthening financial grip, continuing improvement in SEND, responding to rising demand and helping shape the next phase of our organisational journey.
You will inherit strong teams who are professionally curious and committed to continuous improvement, allowing you to focus on strategic leadership, visibility, partnership working and organisational influence. Life at BCP Council offers the chance to combine meaningful leadership with an exceptional quality of life across one of the UK’s most vibrant coastal regions. If you are ready to help shape the future for children and young people at BCP, we would love to hear from you.
For more information, please contact our recruitment partners at Penna:
- Nick Raper on 07715 690463 or email nick.raper@penna.com
- Amin Aziz on 07709 514141 or email amin.aziz@penna.com
- Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 or email kelly.ridley@penna.com
For more information, visit our microsite. Closing date: Sunday 28th June 2026 at 23:59pm.
Corporate Director for Children’s Services (DCS) employer: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
At BCP Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the well-being and development of our staff. Our vibrant coastal location not only offers a high quality of life but also fosters a collaborative work culture where values truly matter. With a strong focus on employee growth and meaningful leadership, we empower our teams to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Contact Details:
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Director for Children’s Services (DCS)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to BCP Council. 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
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for children and young people. Share your vision and how you can contribute to BCP Council’s mission – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching BCP Council’s recent achievements and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around SEND and financial management. Tailoring your responses will show you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re committed to being part of the BCP Council team. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Director for Children’s Services (DCS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand BCP Council's values and mission. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their focus on children and young people, as well as their commitment to collaboration and improvement.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for children's services and how it drives your leadership style. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your previous roles and achievements that relate directly to the responsibilities of the Corporate Director position. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strategic leadership and ability to work within complex systems, as this will resonate with the selection panel.
Follow Up with Us:After submitting your application through our website, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification. We're here to help and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
✨Know the Council's Vision
Before your interview, dive deep into BCP Council's mission and recent achievements. Understanding their journey towards a ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement and the significance of their awards will show your genuine interest and alignment with their values.
✨Showcase Collaborative Leadership
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in collaborative leadership. Discuss how you've built strong relationships across teams and stakeholders, as this role requires someone who can work positively within a complex political and social care environment.
✨Bring the Voices of Children and Young People
Think about how you can incorporate the voices of children and young people into your leadership approach. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used in the past to ensure their perspectives are heard and valued in decision-making processes.
✨Focus on Strategic Improvement
Be prepared to talk about your vision for strengthening financial grip and improving SEND services. Highlight any relevant experiences where you've successfully navigated rising demand and led strategic improvements in similar settings.
