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- Tasks: Lead a respected childcare department, overseeing complex cases and mentoring a high-performing team.
- Company: Join a growing practice known for its commitment to innovation and client care in childcare law.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive culture focused on professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of childcare law while making a real impact on families' lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in childcare or family law and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This role offers strategic responsibility and the chance to develop future talent in the field.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
We are seeking an accomplished Head of Department: Childcare to lead a highly respected and growing practice. This senior appointment offers the chance to shape the future of the childcare department, building on an established reputation while driving innovation and growth.
The successful candidate can be a Childcare Solicitor or a Family Solicitor with relevant experience in childcare law. They will bring both technical expertise and strong leadership skills, overseeing complex and sensitive matters involving children and families, while ensuring clients receive outstanding advice and representation during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership of the Childcare department, setting and delivering long-term goals.
- Oversee a diverse caseload of childcare and family-related matters, including care proceedings, child protection, adoption, and safeguarding.
- Act as a trusted advisor to parents, guardians, and local authorities, delivering clear, compassionate, and effective legal solutions.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including SRA and Legal Aid Agency standards.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Drive innovation in client care and service delivery, embedding best practice across the department.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including courts, social services, and other agencies.
- Work closely with senior leadership to align departmental performance with wider organisational strategy.
Qualifications
- Qualified solicitor with significant experience in childcare law or a strong background in family law with exposure to childcare matters.
- Demonstrable leadership skills with experience managing or developing teams.
- Strong advocacy and case management skills, with a proven ability to handle complex and sensitive cases.
- A clear communicator with empathy, resilience, and the ability to support clients through challenging situations.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to deliver both excellent client outcomes and departmental growth.
- Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and high professional standards.
Benefits
- Lead a nationally recognised department with full strategic and operational responsibility.
- Play a pivotal role in developing future talent and shaping the practice’s approach to childcare and family law.
- Be part of a supportive, collaborative culture that values people and professional development.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, reflective of seniority.
This appointment is being managed exclusively by HarKaye Core Talent.
Job details
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Legal
- Industries: Legal Services
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Head of Department: Childcare employer: HarKaye Core Talent
Contact Detail:
HarKaye Core Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department: Childcare
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the childcare and family law sectors. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or workshops to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends and challenges in childcare law. Being well-informed about current issues will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation and improvement in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team through complex cases or implemented new strategies that improved client outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's values and mission. Understanding their approach to childcare and family law will allow you to align your vision with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department: Childcare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in childcare law or family law, focusing on leadership roles and relevant cases you've managed. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for childcare law and your vision for the department. Mention how your background aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their success.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise any previous leadership roles you've held, detailing how you've developed teams and driven innovation. This is crucial for a Head of Department position, so provide concrete examples of your impact.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've supported clients through challenging situations, demonstrating empathy and resilience.
How to prepare for a job interview at HarKaye Core Talent
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, demonstrating your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on mentorship and fostering collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience in childcare law or family law with specific cases that highlight your advocacy and case management skills. This will show your depth of knowledge and ability to handle complex matters.
✨Communicate with Empathy
Given the sensitive nature of childcare cases, it's important to convey your ability to support clients through challenging situations. Practice articulating your approach to client care and how you ensure clear communication.
✨Align with Organisational Goals
Research the company’s values and strategic goals. Be prepared to discuss how you can align the childcare department's performance with the wider organisational strategy, showcasing your commercial awareness.
