At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape services for children in care, ensuring their voices are heard.
- Company: Hull City Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and drive meaningful change in the community.
- Qualifications: Master’s level qualification, Social Work registration, and extensive leadership experience required.
Hull City Council is looking for an exceptional leader to join us as Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting within our Children, Young People and Families Directorate. This is an exciting and new opportunity to shape the future of children in our care and our care leavers across the city.
As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will drive our ambition for every child to thrive, championing a strong child‑centred culture and ensuring that the voices of children and families are integral to everything we do.
About the RoleIn this role, you will provide strategic leadership for all children looked after and care leaver services, including our regulated children’s homes, supported accommodation, fostering and adoption provision. You will:
- Lead the development and delivery of Corporate Parenting services, ensuring excellence and aspiration for every child
- Influence policy and practice at local, regional and national levels, working with Government departments, Ofsted, Health, Police and wider partners
- Act as a visible, compassionate and ambitious leader, modelling strengths‑based practice and a culture of high support and high expectations
- Oversee a budget of £38.5 million and lead approximately 370 FTE colleagues across the service
- Ensure organisational readiness for all statutory inspections and compliance with safeguarding duties
- Represent the Council in key forums, strengthening relationships with Elected Members, partners, external agencies and the community
- Be part of the Council’s emergency response rota under the Civil Contingencies Act.
We are seeking a leader with:
- Essential Qualifications & Professional Standing
- A recognised professional or managerial qualification (Master’s level or above)
- A Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- A commitment to continuous professional development.
- Extensive senior leadership experience improving outcomes for children and families within a large, complex organisation
- A track record of driving service improvement and cultural change
- Strong political awareness and experience working effectively with Elected Members
- Expertise in partnership working, commissioning, and delivering high‑quality services across agencies
- Significant financial and resource management experience
- Demonstrable success leading multi-disciplinary teams at scale.
- A compelling, credible leadership style that inspires trust and excellence.
- Ability to think strategically, influence across systems and translate vision into action.
- Highly developed communication, negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to deliver innovative solutions to complex issues.
- Child‑centred, relational and strengths‑based approach.
You will embody and champion our leadership values of: People First | Respect | Learning | Ambition | Partnership. These underpin how we work with children, families, partners and colleagues across the city.
Why Hull?Hull is a place of strong identity, community pride and ambition for its children. With major investment across Children’s Services, this is an opportunity to be at the forefront of meaningful, lasting change and to make a difference that matters.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Pauline Turner, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families.
Benefits of Working of Hull City Council:- A competitive salary
- An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Initially 23 days annual leave depending on length of service. You will also get eight public holidays per year, and three additional days off, one in May/August and one during the Christmas/New year period
- Career development and learning experiences from a range of training courses and learning methods
- Supportive and forward-thinking culture
- Great career development opportunities
Please ensure that you complete and submit your application by midnight prior to the closing date. We are committed to increasing the diversity, equality, and inclusion within our workforce to represent the people we serve and build an environment in which everyone can feel like they belong. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting in Market Weighton employer: HULL CC
Hull City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community. With a supportive and forward-thinking culture, competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, and ample career development opportunities, you will be empowered to lead transformative change in a city rich in identity and community pride. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our children and care leavers, where your leadership can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting in Market Weighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Hull City Council. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Hull City Council’s values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the culture. Tailor your examples to demonstrate how you embody their leadership values of People First, Respect, Learning, Ambition, and Partnership.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience in improving outcomes for children and families, as well as your strategic thinking skills. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to Hull City Council’s mission. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting in Market Weighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for improving outcomes for children and families shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to a child-centred culture.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your leadership style and strategic thinking.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see how you meet the essential criteria.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us promptly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised as we review all the fantastic candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at HULL CC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Hull City Council's vision for children and families. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives, challenges, and successes in corporate parenting. This will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the council's values of People First, Respect, Learning, Ambition, and Partnership. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've inspired teams and driven positive change.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Think about real-life scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions or navigate challenging dynamics, especially in a multi-disciplinary context.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the council's future plans. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you as well.
