At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic commissioning for children's services and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
- Company: Join the innovative London Borough of Havering, dedicated to community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, health support, and leadership development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment committed to diversity and community representation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping future services.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic commissioning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 93006 - 102705 £ per year.
Overview: Romford | Contract: Fixed Term (2 Years) | Grade: G13 | Salary: £93,006 - £102,705pa
About The Role: You will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Council’s Children’s Commissioning and Start Well Brokerage functions. Reporting to the Strategic Director of Resources, you will lead the commissioning cycle across a broad portfolio including SEND, Early Help, emotional wellbeing and mental health pathways, fostering, residential and semi-independent provision, and children’s accommodation markets. You will work closely with senior leaders, elected Members, NHS partners, schools, providers and the voluntary sector to ensure services are co-produced, evidence-led and responsive to the needs of Havering’s communities. The role will also lead on market shaping, sufficiency planning and transformation programmes, ensuring high-quality placements and sustainable commissioning models that support improved outcomes and deliver MTFS savings.
What We’re Looking For: We are looking for an experienced and visionary senior leader with:
- Significant experience of strategic commissioning leadership within children’s services, social care, SEND or integrated public services
- A strong understanding of the full commissioning cycle, partnership commissioning and market shaping
- Proven experience of leading within complex, politically sensitive and multi-agency environments
- Strong knowledge of statutory responsibilities relating to Children’s Services, SEND and safeguarding
- Experience of leading transformation, continuous improvement and financial sustainability programmes
- The ability to build influential partnerships across local government, health, education and the voluntary sector
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to inspire high-performing teams
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership for Children’s Commissioning and Start Well Brokerage services across Havering
- Lead commissioning activity across SEND, Early Help, emotional wellbeing, fostering, residential care and specialist provision
- Oversee brokerage, placement sufficiency and market management to secure safe, high-quality and cost-effective outcomes for vulnerable children and young people
- Lead transformation and improvement programmes that strengthen preventative and community-based support models
- Develop and implement market position statements, commissioning strategies and partnership plans
- Ensure commissioned services meet statutory, safeguarding, quality and performance requirements
- Drive innovation, service redesign and MTFS savings through robust commissioning and contract management approaches
- Work collaboratively with Adults’ Services to improve transitions and pathways into adulthood for young people
- Represent the Council at key partnership boards, including SEND, safeguarding and integrated care system forums
Why Havering: Working for Havering means joining a forward-thinking council committed to innovation, collaboration and delivering the best possible outcomes for residents. We offer:
- A supportive and inclusive working environment guided by our ICARE values
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement with options to buy additional leave
- Access to learning, development and leadership opportunities
- Health and wellbeing support initiatives
- The opportunity to lead meaningful transformation that improves the lives of children and families
Notes: We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve.
Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning employer: London Borough of Havering
The London Borough of Havering is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As an Assistant Director in Children’s Commissioning, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that directly improve the lives of children and families in the community, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and access to professional development opportunities.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Havering Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children’s services sector. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people who might know about opportunities at Havering. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the council’s current initiatives and challenges in children’s commissioning. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their needs and can bring innovative solutions to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and get noticed. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application lands directly in the right hands.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director Children’s Commissioning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic commissioning and leadership within children's services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving transformation. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects you've led in complex environments. We love to see examples of how you've inspired high-performing teams!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Havering
✨Know Your Commissioning Cycle
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the full commissioning cycle, especially in relation to children's services. Brush up on your knowledge of SEND and safeguarding responsibilities, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex, politically sensitive environments. Think about specific instances where you've inspired high-performing teams or driven transformation programmes.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Havering's community needs and the current challenges in children's services. Being able to discuss local issues and how your strategies can address them will demonstrate your commitment and insight.
✨Build Influential Partnerships
Be ready to talk about your experience in building partnerships across various sectors. Highlight any successful collaborations with local government, health, education, or voluntary organisations that have led to improved outcomes for children and families.
