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- Tasks: Lead teams to deliver high-quality services for Looked After Children and Care Leavers.
- Company: Kirklees Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Generous salary, local government pension, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Kirklees.
- Qualifications: Professional Social Work qualification and substantial experience in children's social care.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on innovation and partnership.
The predicted salary is between 62472 - 73056 ÂŁ per year.
As Head of Service – Corporate Parenting & Looked After Children, you will lead and inspire teams delivering high‑quality services for Looked After Children and Care Leavers. You’ll drive strategic improvement, champion partnership working, and ensure robust safeguarding and case management across Kirklees.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Leading operational teams supporting Looked After Children and Care Leavers
- Translating strategy into outstanding social care practice
- Driving partnership working to improve outcomes for children and young people
- Promoting transparency, challenge, and continuous improvement
- Ensuring cost‑effective, high‑quality social work and case management
- Using national best practice and local data to drive service improvement
- Managing service delivery within budgets and targets
- Championing safeguarding and corporate ownership of children’s issues
About You:
We’re seeking a dynamic leader with a proven track record in children’s social care.
You’ll Need:
- Professional Social Work qualification with registration with SWE
- Substantial experience in frontline child protection and children’s social care
- Significant senior leadership experience in children’s services
- Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
- Understanding of wider issues in local government and partner organisations
- Accepts this post is politically restricted
- Accepts an enhanced DBS and barred list check is required
Benefits Include:
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave
- Flexible working
- Professional development, and more
Ready to make a real difference for children and young people in Kirklees? Apply now and help shape the future of corporate parenting and looked after children’s services.
About The Organisation:
Kirklees Council is committed to improving outcomes for children and families. Our Children and Families service is at the forefront of innovation, partnership, and best practice. We offer a supportive, collaborative environment where your leadership can have a lasting impact.
Closing date: 09 February 2026, 11:55 PM
This job is subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level. A conviction may not exclude candidates from appointment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process.
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Head of Service - Corporate Parenting & Looked After Children in England employer: Kirklees Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Corporate Parenting & Looked After Children in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who work in children's services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Kirklees Council's recent initiatives in child protection. Show us you’re not just passionate but also informed about the challenges and successes in the area.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences in driving strategic improvements and managing teams. Use the STAR method to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about making a difference in corporate parenting and looked after children’s services.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Corporate Parenting & Looked After Children in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can drive strategic improvement and champion partnership working!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a dynamic leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your senior leadership experience in children’s services. Share specific examples of how you've influenced change and improved outcomes for children and young people.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity as much as we value passion!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of Service role. Brush up on your knowledge of corporate parenting, safeguarding practices, and the latest trends in children’s social care. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you’re the right fit for leading teams in Kirklees.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or driven strategic improvements. Highlight how you’ve championed partnership working and improved outcomes for children and young people. This is your chance to shine as a dynamic leader!
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing children’s services in Kirklees. Being able to discuss local data and best practices will not only impress the interviewers but also show your commitment to making a real difference in the community.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the council's vision for children’s services or how they measure success in their corporate parenting initiatives. Engaging in a meaningful dialogue shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
