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- Tasks: Lead initiatives to keep children safe and strengthen families in Lewisham.
- Company: Join an ambitious authority committed to innovative family-led practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive leadership, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while driving impactful change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in safeguarding and children's social care leadership.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse partners to tackle inequalities and enhance community services.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Keep children safe. Strengthen families. Lead with purpose. Lewisham is ambitious for its children and young people. We are a Pathfinder authority delivering the Families First for Children national reforms and leading the way for family‑led and evidence‑led practice. We have developed strong multi‑agency partnerships including schools, health and housing and we want to continue to strengthen our locality‑based work to support children and families at the earliest opportunity. We want our data and insight to drive our practice and support this with innovation and evolving technology.
We’re seeking a Director of Families & Commissioning to lead front door, prevention, youth justice and edge‑of‑care services while overseeing joint commissioning, performance and quality. Reporting to our Executive Director of Children & Young People, you’ll set the direction for a high‑performing division that combines targeted support with robust assurance and commissioning. You’ll lead adolescent safeguarding, youth justice and child protection, working with partners to intervene early and prevent escalation. You’ll drive strategy, performance and quality across the directorate, embedding a learning culture that listens to children and acts on feedback and reviews. You’ll use data, insight and market‑shaping to secure high‑quality, cost‑effective services aligned to future need.
You’ll lead c.300 colleagues — including six Heads of Service — promoting inclusive leadership, strong supervision and clear professional standards. You’ll work closely with Health, Police, Probation and schools to tackle inequalities and ensure services reflect the strengths and diversity of Lewisham’s communities.
About you
You’re a senior leader with a strong track record in safeguarding and children’s social care, and deep understanding of the statutory framework. You combine strategic vision with operational grip, partnership skill and political awareness. You connect prevention with practice quality, leading with empathy, clarity and purpose. Lewisham champions equality, diversity and anti‑racist practice.
Director of Families, Quality & Commissioning employer: Healthcare Management
Contact Detail:
Healthcare Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Families, Quality & Commissioning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector, especially those who work in safeguarding and 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 Lewisham's initiatives and values. Show us you’re passionate about keeping children safe and strengthening families. Tailor your responses to reflect our commitment to evidence-led practice and multi-agency partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to support children and families in Lewisham.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Families, Quality & Commissioning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding and supporting families shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission to keep children safe and strengthen families.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Use concrete examples from your past roles to demonstrate your track record in children's social care and safeguarding. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous positions, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Your Leadership Style: As a senior leader, it’s crucial to convey your leadership style in your application. We’re looking for someone who promotes inclusive leadership and strong supervision, so share how you’ve fostered these qualities in your teams.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the role of Director of Families & Commissioning. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills and experiences directly to the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Healthcare Management
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the statutory framework surrounding safeguarding and children’s social care. Brush up on recent reforms, especially the Families First for Children initiative, as this will show your commitment to the role and understanding of current practices.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, particularly how you promote inclusive leadership and strong supervision. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in multi-agency settings, to demonstrate your ability to connect with diverse groups.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data and insights to drive practice and improve service delivery. Highlight specific instances where your strategic vision has led to high-quality, cost-effective services, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Clarity
Since the role requires leading with empathy and clarity, prepare to share stories that illustrate your ability to listen to children and act on feedback. This will show that you not only understand the importance of these qualities but also embody them in your work.
