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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in children's services to ensure all young people thrive.
- Company: Join a progressive team in Gloucestershire, known for its remarkable turnaround.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape impactful initiatives and work with an outstanding leadership team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Ambitious leaders with experience in children's services and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our team as the Director of Children and Families. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a service that has already achieved one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the country, and we are now determined to progress even further.
Gloucestershire is situated in the north of the South West of England. The county is comparatively affluent, boasting excellent schools and high-achieving children. Nevertheless, we recognise that there is still important work to be done to ensure all our young people thrive.
Despite the overall success, our most vulnerable children are not achieving as well as they should. We are placing a spotlight on this issue within our children’s service, and are actively engaging in dialogue with our partners and families to address it.
Our commitment to improvement has yielded significant results. Having been rated as inadequate in 2017, by the summer of 2025, we had been assessed as good overall and outstanding in both leadership and care for children.
This is not a service that is content to rest on its laurels. We are currently rolling out Family Hubs, Youth Hubs, a pilot for a multi-agency Child Protection Team, and new council-run children’s homes. All these initiatives are aimed at keeping children closer to their families and communities. We have fostered a movement that our partners are eager to be part of.
Our new Director of Children and Families will inherit a good service and an outstanding leadership team, as well as the opportunity to shape the next stage in our journey. We are looking for someone who is values-led, intelligent, and adaptable, with a compassionate leadership style and the ability to communicate and build relationships effectively.
This role is ideal for ambitious leaders in children’s services who are ready to blend stability with innovation and make a tangible impact. Gloucestershire offers a rare and compelling chance to advance our service to the next level, as we strive to be outstanding across all areas.
Director of Children and Families\' Services employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Children and Families\' Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children and families sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in children's services. Be ready to discuss how your values align with the organisation's mission. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team. Plus, it makes it easier for us to spot your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Children and Families\' Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for children's services shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Children and Families role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our goals at Gloucestershire.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current challenges and successes of children’s services, especially in Gloucestershire. Familiarise yourself with recent initiatives like Family Hubs and the multi-agency Child Protection Team, as this shows your commitment to the role and understanding of the local context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the values of the organisation. Think about examples where you've demonstrated compassionate leadership and effective communication, as these are key traits they’re looking for in a Director.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Express genuine enthusiasm for their mission to improve outcomes for vulnerable children. Be ready to share your ideas on how to blend stability with innovation, and how you can contribute to making a tangible impact in the community.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the service's goals. Inquire about their plans for ongoing developments and how you can play a part in shaping the future of children’s services in Gloucestershire.
