At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape services for children in care, ensuring their voices are heard.
- Company: Hull City Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a community-focused team with strong values and a commitment to excellence.
- Why this job: Be a key leader driving positive change for children and young people in Hull.
- Qualifications: Master’s level qualification, Social Work registration, and extensive leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
This is a Full Time Permanent position. Please Note: The proposed interview date is subject to change and will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates as soon as possible.
Hull City Council is looking for an exceptional leader to join us as Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting within our Children, Young People and Families Directorate. This is an exciting and new opportunity to shape the future of children in our care and our care leavers across the city. As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will drive our ambition for every child to thrive, championing a strong child‑centred culture and ensuring that the voices of children and families are integral to everything we do.
About the Role
In this role, you will provide strategic leadership for all children looked after and care leaver services, including our regulated children’s homes, supported accommodation, fostering and adoption provision.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of Corporate Parenting services, ensuring excellence and aspiration for every child
- Influence policy and practice at local, regional and national levels, working with Government departments, Ofsted, Health, Police and wider partners
- Act as a visible, compassionate and ambitious leader, modelling strengths‑based practice and a culture of high support and high expectations
- Oversee a budget of £38.5 million and lead approximately 370 FTE colleagues across the service
- Ensure organisational readiness for all statutory inspections and compliance with safeguarding duties
- Represent the Council in key forums, strengthening relationships with Elected Members, partners, external agencies and the community
- Be part of the Council’s emergency response rota under the Civil Contingencies Act
What We’re Looking For – Essential Qualifications & Professional Standing
- A recognised professional or managerial qualification (Master’s level or above)
- A Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- A commitment to continuous professional development
Experience You Will Bring
- Extensive senior leadership experience improving outcomes for children and families within a large, complex organisation
- A track record of driving service improvement and cultural change
- Strong political awareness and experience working effectively with Elected Members
- Expertise in partnership working, commissioning, and delivering high‑quality services across agencies
- Significant financial and resource management experience
- Demonstrable success leading multi-disciplinary teams at scale
Skills & Leadership Qualities
- A compelling, credible leadership style that inspires trust and excellence
- Ability to think strategically, influence across systems and translate vision into action
- Highly developed communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to deliver innovative solutions to complex issues
- Child‑centred, relational and strengths‑based approach
Our Values
People First | Respect | Learning | Ambition | Partnership. These underpin how we work with children, families, partners and colleagues across the city.
Why Hull?
Hull is a place of strong identity, community pride and ambition for its children. With major investment across Children’s Services, this is an opportunity to be at the forefront of meaningful, lasting change and to make a difference that matters.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Pauline Turner, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families on 01482 616 325.
Role and Purpose
The Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting has responsibility for strategic leadership of children looked after and care leaver services in Hull as well as our regulated services that provide the care and support for our children and young people. Accountable for the development and delivery of the business plan and influential in setting the vision and strategic objectives for children and their families across Hull. Works alongside Cabinet, Elected Members, Corporate Strategy Team, Assistant Directors, statutory partners (Health and Police) and other partners to develop and deliver the City Plan, Council Plan and Children’s Plan.
Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting employer: Children's Social Work Matters
Hull City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative change for children and families in a vibrant community. With a strong commitment to professional development, a supportive work culture, and a focus on child-centred practices, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of working in a city rich in identity and ambition. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our children and care leavers in Hull.
Contact Details:
Children's Social Work Matters Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the field of corporate parenting. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Hull City Council. You never know who might have the inside scoop on the role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Hull City Council’s recent initiatives and challenges in children’s services. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve driven service improvement or led a team through change. Be ready to share these during the interview to showcase your experience and how it aligns with 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 serious about joining Hull City Council and making a difference in the lives of children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our values at Hull City Council.
Showcase Your Experience:Use your written application to demonstrate your extensive senior leadership experience and any successful service improvements you've led. We want to see how you've made a real difference in previous roles!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value a compelling and credible leadership style, so don’t be afraid to share your unique approach to inspiring trust and excellence.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure you apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep you updated on the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Social Work Matters
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting role. Familiarise yourself with Hull City Council's values and how they align with your own experiences. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to a child-centred culture during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it has positively impacted previous teams. Think about specific examples where you’ve driven service improvement or cultural change, as this is crucial for the role. Be ready to explain how you inspire trust and excellence among your colleagues.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research the current landscape of children’s services in Hull and beyond. Be prepared to discuss how you would influence policy and practice at various levels. Showing that you can think strategically and translate vision into action will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the challenges facing the department or how they measure success in their services. Engaging in a two-way conversation shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
