At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a transformative programme to improve children's social care services.
- Company: Connect2Dorset, a trusted agency supporting local communities.
- Benefits: Earn £800 per day with hybrid working options.
- Other info: Long-term contract until March 2027 with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives and lead significant change.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's social care transformation and strong leadership skills.
Location: Local Authority (Hybrid Working - 2 Days Office Based)
Contract: Interim / Fixed-Term Contract Until March 2027
Day Rate: £800 per day
Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, offering temporary, contract and interim opportunities within the Council. Our work is guided by strong values of ethical practice, trust, and genuine care, and every penny of our profit goes back into supporting our Local Authority communities.
ABOUT THE ROLE
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Interim Programme Lead to drive a high-profile Children's Social Care Transformation Programme within a progressive Local Authority. This Senior Leadership role will lead the design, implementation and delivery of large-scale transformation across Children's Social Care, Early Help, Corporate Parenting and Family Support Services, ensuring improved outcomes for children, young people and families. Reporting into the Assistant Director for Children's Social Care Transformation, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a complex portfolio of programmes, service redesign initiatives and financial sustainability projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead a major Children's Social Care Transformation Programme
- Deliver complex system-wide change across Children's Services
- Manage a transformation budget of £1.3m and support delivery of £6m efficiency targets
- Provide leadership to Programme Managers, Project Managers and Change Teams
- Develop and deliver strategic transformation plans aligned to organisational priorities
- Drive service redesign, innovation and continuous improvement
- Ensure effective programme governance, risk management and reporting
- Build strong partnerships across Health, Education, Safeguarding and Local Government stakeholders
- Lead organisational change, cultural transformation and workforce development
- Use data, performance intelligence and financial analysis to drive decision-making
PROGRAMME PORTFOLIO
- Corporate Parenting & Sufficiency Programme
- Children's Homes Development & Placement Sufficiency
- Family Resilience & Safeguarding Transformation
- Children with Disabilities Service Redesign
- Family Hubs & Best Start in Life Programme
- Early Help Transformation
- Families First Partnership Programme
- Strategic Partnerships & Joint Funding
- Digital Transformation & AI Innovation
- Directorate-Wide Financial Sustainability Programmes
ABOUT YOU
We are seeking a highly credible transformation leader with:
- Significant experience delivering Children's Social Care Transformation programmes
- Strong Programme Management and Change Management expertise
- Experience working within a Local Authority or Public Sector environment
- Proven success in service redesign, improvement and financial transformation
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary transformation teams
- Ability to operate effectively in complex political and organisational environments
- Excellent strategic, analytical and leadership capabilities
WHY APPLY?
- £800 per day
- Hybrid Working (2 Days Office Based)
- High-Profile Strategic Leadership Role
- Long-Term Contract Until March 2027
- Opportunity to Lead System-Wide Children's Services Transformation
- Work with Senior Local Government Leaders and Strategic Partners
- Meaningful Impact on Outcomes for Children, Young People and Families
This opportunity is ideal for experienced Programme Directors, Transformation Leads, Programme Managers, Children's Services Transformation Consultants, Change Managers, Service Improvement Leads, Corporate Parenting Programme Leads, Early Help Transformation Leads and Public Sector Transformation Professionals seeking their next interim leadership opportunity.
Interested? Get in touch today: (url removed)
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
INTERIM PROGRAMME LEAD CHILDREN'S SOCIAL CARE TRANSFORMATION employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Teaching Assistant at Lytchett Minster School, you will benefit from a collaborative environment focused on student success, with opportunities for professional growth and training. Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in education, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land INTERIM PROGRAMME LEAD CHILDREN'S SOCIAL CARE TRANSFORMATION
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Connect2Dorset, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace INTERIM PROGRAMME LEAD CHILDREN'S SOCIAL CARE TRANSFORMATION
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Connect2Dorset. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Connect2Dorset. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Connect2Dorset.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary INTERIM PROGRAMME LEAD CHILDREN'S SOCIAL CARE TRANSFORMATION role at Connect2Dorset, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Connect2Dorset that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
