At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative services for children and young people in care, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Company: Dudley Council, dedicated to improving life chances for children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape future services.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in children's services and experience in complex organisational transformation.
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 – Children’s Provider Services to play a central role in shaping the future of our support to children and young people in care across our borough. This is a pivotal senior leadership position at the heart of our Children and Young People service. You will be collaborating closely with the Associate Director for Family Help and Safeguarding to deliver services to the children and young people who need our support.
Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership, professional accountability, and operational oversight for services that safeguard, support and improve outcomes for children in care and care experienced young people.
- Be responsible for ensuring that children who cannot live with their families experience safe, loving, stable and aspirational care, with a clear focus on permanence, sufficiency, quality of practice and achieving the best possible outcomes.
- This includes a strong drive to support more children to remain connected to, and cared for, within their home communities wherever it is safe to do so.
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 legislation relating to Children’s Social Care in relation to children in care, fostering and adoption, and brings energy, integrity and ambition. A proven track record of developing children’s residential provision and fostering services at pace, alongside the ability to lead complex change and deliver improvement and financial sustainability within a demanding statutory environment is essential.
If you’re driven to make a real impact for children, families and schools across Dudley, we want to hear from you.
The closing date for applications is Midnight, Sunday 7th June 2026. 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.
Associate Director – Children’s Provider Services (Full Time) in Dudley employer: New Start
Dudley Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people in our community. With a strong commitment to professional development, we foster a collaborative work culture that empowers leaders to make impactful changes while ensuring a supportive environment for all staff. Located in the heart of Dudley, our organisation offers unique opportunities to engage with local families and communities, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Children’s Provider Services (Full Time) in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of children's services, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dudley Council's recent initiatives and challenges in children's services. Show us that you're not just passionate but also informed about the landscape you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've transformed services or led teams in previous roles. We want to hear about your impact and how you can bring that energy to our team.
✨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 outcomes for children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Children’s Provider Services (Full Time) in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for improving the lives of children and young people shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference, so share personal experiences or motivations that drive you.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Highlight your relevant experience in strategic leadership and transformation within complex organisations. We’re looking for concrete examples of how you've successfully led change and improved outcomes, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role and responsibilities outlined in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with our vision for Children’s Provider Services, so be clear about how you can contribute.
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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the legislation surrounding Children’s Social Care. Brush up on key policies and frameworks that impact children in care, fostering, and adoption. This will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in transforming services within complex organisations. Think about times when you inspired teams or built strong partnerships, as these are crucial for this role.
✨Be Visionary
Dudley Council is looking for someone who can shape the future of support for children and young people. Be ready to discuss your vision for improving outcomes and how you would implement changes to achieve this. Bring your ideas to the table!
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your passion for improving life chances for children and young people shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that fuel your drive in this field. Authenticity can make a big difference in how you connect with the interviewers.
