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- Tasks: Lead and shape services for children, young people, and families in Durham.
- Company: Durham County Council, committed to inclusive and ambitious social care.
- Benefits: Impactful role with opportunities for professional growth and community influence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in children's social care and a values-driven approach.
- Other info: Join a team recognised for excellence with an Outstanding Ofsted judgement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Durham County Council is seeking an exceptional senior leader to drive forward our ambitious and inclusive vision for children, young people and families across the county. As our Head of Children’s Social Care, you will play a pivotal role in leading and shaping a broad range of statutory and specialist services, including assessment and safeguarding, early help, looked after children, permanence, fostering, adoption, residential care and our care leaver offer.
You will lead talented teams, strengthen key partnerships, and ensure high quality, responsive and innovative practice. This is a role with real impact and influence. You will help embed national reforms, maintain effective safeguarding arrangements, and ensure that regulated services continue to deliver to the highest standards - building on our recent Ofsted Outstanding judgement.
If you are an inspiring, values driven leader with a strong track record in children’s social care, we would be delighted to hear from you.
To find out more, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Nick Raper on 07715 690463, or Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 for a confidential conversation. Closing date Sunday 15th March 2026 (midnight). To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Head of Children’s Social Care in North East employer: Healthcare Management
Contact Detail:
Healthcare Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Children’s Social Care in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children’s social care sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends and challenges in children’s social care. We recommend having a few examples ready that showcase your leadership skills and how you’ve driven change in previous roles. Show them you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in children’s lives. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Children’s Social Care in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for children's social care shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families, so share your experiences and motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Children’s Social Care role. Highlight your relevant experience in leading teams and driving innovative practices, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our ambitious vision.
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 achievements and skills. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect candidate.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this impactful role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Healthcare Management
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of children’s social care. Brush up on current legislation, safeguarding practices, and the latest Ofsted frameworks. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the values of Durham County Council. Think about specific examples where you've led teams through challenges or implemented innovative practices that made a real difference.
✨Understand the Local Context
Research Durham County and its unique challenges in children’s social care. Being able to speak about local issues and how you would address them will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in the community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the council's vision for children’s services and how they measure success. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
