At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic improvements in Children's Services and drive cultural change.
- Company: Dynamic council focused on transforming services for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of children's services and driving impactful change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations and a passion for social care.
The predicted salary is between 108015 - 118680 £ per year.
Job Type: Full Time
Location: Dudley, West Midlands
Salary: £108,015 - £118,680 (pay award pending)
Expires: 07/06/2026
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
- Provide senior leadership across Children’s Services, driving improvement, transformation, cultural change and the delivery of key strategic plans.
- Be responsible for strategy, improvement and quality and standards, inspection readiness and for producing strategic reports and plans for local governance partnerships and national partners, including Ofsted and the Department for Education.
- Lead critical service functions such as performance, research and innovation, quality assurance, professional standards, workforce development, information governance and commissioning, ensuring statutory compliance across all areas.
- Work collaboratively with partners across the Council and external agencies to align strategy, drive improvement and ensure services are planned, monitored and evaluated to meet local needs and inspection requirements.
Who we’re looking for:
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 aspects of our services, especially Social Care, and brings energy, integrity and ambition.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups and expect 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.
Associate Director – Quality, Performance and Improvement (Full Time) employer: New Start
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to drive meaningful change within Children's Services. Located in Dudley, West Midlands, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to professional development, ensuring that our team members have the resources and support they need to excel in their roles. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values innovation, integrity, and the welfare of vulnerable groups, making a real difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Quality, Performance and Improvement (Full Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working in Children’s Services. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in quality and performance improvement. Show us you’re not just a candidate but a thought leader who’s ready to drive transformation in complex organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to convey your vision and how you can inspire teams effectively. We want to see your energy and ambition shine through when discussing your approach to leadership.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Quality, Performance and Improvement (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in quality, performance, and improvement. We want to see how your skills align with the strategic leadership role we're offering.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven transformation and improvement in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who brings energy and integrity, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what motivates you.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key strategic plans and improvement initiatives relevant to Children’s Services. Brush up on recent Ofsted reports and understand the current challenges and successes in the sector. This will show your commitment and readiness to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership skills and how you've driven transformation in complex organisations. Think about times when you inspired teams or built strong partnerships, as these are crucial for this role.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the local governance partnerships and how they align with national standards. Being able to discuss how you would ensure statutory compliance and quality assurance will demonstrate your understanding of the role's responsibilities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Be ready to talk about your experience working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including external agencies. Highlight specific instances where your collaborative efforts led to improved services or outcomes, as this is key for driving improvement in this role.
