At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative strategies to support children and families in Dudley.
- Company: Dudley Council, dedicated to improving life chances for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader shaping the future of social care for children and families.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations and knowledge of children's social care legislation.
The predicted salary is between 108015 - 118680 £ per year.
Salary: £108,015 - £118,680 (pay award pending)
Location: Dudley, West Midlands
Job Type: Full Time
Are you an inspirational, values‑driven leader with a passion for improving the life chances for children and young people? Dudley Council is embarking on a bold and ambitious transformation journey, and we are seeking a visionary Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding to play a central role in shaping the future of Children and Young People’s Social Care services across our borough. This is a pivotal senior leadership position at the heart of our Children and Young People service. You will drive Dudley’s strategic approach to support children and families.
Key Responsibilities- Drive the vision for safeguarding and support services for families
- Oversee multi-disciplinary teams that work collaboratively to protect vulnerable children and adults, promote family resilience, and improve outcomes
- Lead the development and implementation of strategies that ensure early intervention, prevention, and tailored support for families experiencing complex challenges
- Champion strengths‑based, trauma‑informed, and child‑centred approaches, ensuring safeguarding practices are robust, proportionate, and focused on achieving long‑term positive change
- Work across wider teams, external agencies, and communities to create seamless, integrated services that keep children safe, support parents, and strengthen families
You will be a strategic, politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation in complex organisations; someone who inspires teams, builds strong partnerships, understands all legislation relating to Children’s Social Care, and brings energy, integrity and ambition. If you’re driven to make a real impact for children, families and schools across Dudley, we want to hear from you.
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check.
Closing date for applications is Midnight, Sunday 7th June 2026.
Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding (Full Time) employer: New Start
Dudley Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families in the West Midlands. With a strong commitment to values-driven leadership, we foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in shaping the future of Children and Young People’s Social Care services, where your vision and expertise will be valued and supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding (Full Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of social care, especially those connected to Dudley Council. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the organisation's culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dudley Council’s recent initiatives in family help and safeguarding. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the challenges and opportunities facing the service.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss your vision for transforming children and young people's services. We want to hear how you plan to inspire teams and drive change in a way that aligns with our values.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission to improve life chances for children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for improving the lives of children and families shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Dudley Council.
Be Specific:Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to drive transformation. We love seeing concrete evidence of your impact in previous roles!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your experience with safeguarding and multi-disciplinary teamwork, as these are key aspects of the role we’re looking to fill.
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 exciting opportunity to make a difference in Dudley.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for safeguarding and support services. Be ready to articulate how you would drive this vision at Dudley Council, showcasing your passion for improving life chances for children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've inspired teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you've led multi-disciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes, as this will resonate well with the role's requirements.
✨Understand the Legislation
Brush up on all relevant legislation relating to Children’s Social Care. Being able to discuss how you’ve navigated complex legal frameworks in previous roles will demonstrate your political astuteness and readiness for this senior position.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked across teams and with external agencies to create integrated services. Highlighting your experience in building strong partnerships will show that you can effectively champion a collaborative approach to safeguarding.
