At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compassionate children's services and make a lasting difference in young lives.
- Company: Dougie Mac, a values-driven charity focused on exceptional care.
- Benefits: 35 days annual leave, options to buy/sell leave, and DBS paid by the hospice.
- Other info: Join a supportive organisation that values growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's hospice services and inspire multidisciplinary teams.
- Qualifications: Registered Nurse with leadership experience in children's services or palliative care.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Lead with compassion. Shape services. Make a lasting difference. Dougie Mac provides compassionate care and support for adults, young adults, and children with life-limiting conditions across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. We are seeking an experienced and values‑driven Head of Service to provide strategic and operational leadership across our children’s hospice services. This is a pivotal senior role, responsible for ensuring children, young people and their families receive exceptional, safe, and compassionate care at some of the most important moments in their lives. You will lead multidisciplinary teams across hospice‑based and community services, work closely with families and partners, and play a key role in shaping the future of our services.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic, operational, and clinical leadership across all children’s hospice services
- Ensure services meet CQC requirements, national guidance and best practice
- Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, creating a culture of compassion, inclusion and learning
- Oversee service quality, clinical governance, safeguarding and continuous improvement
- Work in partnership with families, commissioners, NHS colleagues and voluntary sector partners
- Contribute to delivering organisational strategy, service development, and long‑term sustainability
You will be highly visible, supportive, and collaborative in leadership — championing the voices of children, young people and families while ensuring services are responsive, equitable, and safe.
About You
- Registered Nurse (Adult or Child Branch)
- An experienced leader with a strong background in children’s services, palliative care, hospice or complex care
- Confident leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex services
- Knowledgeable about clinical governance, safeguarding and CQC regulation
- Experience of delivering service improvement, partnership working, and influencing at senior levels
- Compassionate, resilient and aligned with hospice values and philosophy of care
Why Join Dougie Mac?
At Dougie Mac, we care deeply about the people who make our work possible. Whatever your role, you’ll be part of a supportive, values‑led organisation where everyone is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a real difference. As a Dougie Mac employee, you’ll benefit from:
- 35 days of annual leave, rising with length of service
- Options to buy and sell annual leave
- DBS paid for by the hospice
Join us and be part of a local charity that puts people at the heart of everything we do.
Hours
37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday
Interviews
26th May 2026
How to Apply
Please complete the application form in full, paying particular attention to your personal statement. This should clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the job description and person specification. See the Recruitment Process Document for more information. For more information, please contact: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not provided. We reserve the right to close this vacancy and interview early, in the event of a large number of applications. In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CV’s alone will not be accepted. We are strongly committed to the Safeguarding of our adults and children.
Head of Children's Service in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Dougie Mac
Dougie Mac is an exceptional employer that prioritises compassionate care and support for children and families facing life-limiting conditions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer a supportive work culture where every team member is encouraged to contribute meaningfully, alongside generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave and opportunities for professional development. Join us in making a lasting difference in the Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire community, where your leadership will shape the future of children's hospice services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Children's Service in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare sector, especially those involved in children's services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dougie Mac and its values. Understand their approach to compassionate care and think of examples from your experience that align with their mission. This will show you’re not just looking for any job, but you genuinely want to be part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to discuss how you've led multidisciplinary teams and improved services in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Dougie Mac and making a difference in children’s lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Children's Service in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure you highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the role.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your passion for children's services and how your values align with ours. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love to see authenticity!
Showcase Your Leadership Experience:As a Head of Service, leadership is key. Make sure to include examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We want to know how you inspire others and create a culture of compassion and inclusion.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dougie Mac
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with Dougie Mac's mission. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated compassion and leadership in your previous roles, especially in children's services or palliative care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Service, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you inspire and lead multidisciplinary teams. Think of instances where you've created a culture of inclusion and learning, and be ready to explain how you would apply that at Dougie Mac.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with CQC requirements and national guidance relevant to children's hospice services. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and quality in service delivery, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Family-Centric Care
Since the role involves working closely with families, think about how you can champion their voices. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully partnered with families and other stakeholders in the past, highlighting your commitment to responsive and equitable care.
