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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and youth justice services, driving strategy and quality for children and families.
- Company: Lewisham Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping innovative services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in safeguarding and children's social care with strategic vision.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with strong support for diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
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.
What’s the role?
Reporting to our Executive Director of Children & Young People, Sara Rahman, 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 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.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for
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.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford Road, SE RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at . The Council has a dedicated employment support service, , which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email and an advisor will be in touch with you. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Director of Families, Quality & Commissioning employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council 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 people in your field, especially those connected to Lewisham Council. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lewisham’s initiatives and values. Show us that you understand the importance of safeguarding and how your experience aligns with our mission to support families and children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! As a senior leader, you’ll need to demonstrate your strategic vision and operational skills. Think about real examples from your past that showcase your ability to lead with empathy and clarity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Families, Quality & Commissioning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand the role and what it entails. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for safeguarding and working with families, and don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Families & Commissioning role. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your strategic vision and operational skills.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is super important in this role. And remember, apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨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 prevention with practice quality.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data and insights to drive strategy and improve service delivery in previous roles. Highlight any innovative approaches you’ve implemented that align with evolving technology and market shaping, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Engage with the Community
Since Lewisham is a culturally diverse community, come prepared to discuss how you would ensure services reflect this diversity. Share any experiences you have working with different communities and how you’ve tackled inequalities in your past roles.
