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 committed team focused on 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) in Dudley 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) in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. We want you to show how your vision aligns with theirs. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and experience in safeguarding.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to improve life chances for children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding (Full Time) in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for improving the life chances of children and young people shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Dudley Council.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Highlight your previous leadership roles and any transformation projects you've led. We’re looking for concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to drive change in complex organisations.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Associate Director – Family Help and Safeguarding. Use the job description as a guide to showcase how your skills and experiences match what we’re looking for.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own vision for safeguarding and support services. Be ready to articulate how your values align with Dudley Council's mission to improve life chances for children and young people. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership inspired change or improved outcomes for families. This will demonstrate your ability to drive the strategic approach needed for this pivotal role.
✨Understand the Legislation
Brush up on all relevant legislation relating to Children’s Social Care. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you have the necessary knowledge to navigate complex situations and ensure robust safeguarding practices.
✨Build Connections
Think about how you can foster partnerships across wider teams and external agencies. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've used to create integrated services in the past. This will illustrate your collaborative approach and commitment to keeping children safe and supporting families.
