Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape practice to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Middlesbrough Council, dedicated to exceptional family support and social care services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a compassionate leader driving positive change for children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and a commitment to high-quality outcomes.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for strategic leadership and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape practice and improve outcomes for our children and families. We are looking for a values-driven, committed and compassionate leader who has substantial experience of working in children’s services and improving systems. This role is central to driving forwards integrated, high-quality, place-based approaches that equip all members of our teams to support children earlier and significantly improve outcomes and opportunities.
Our ambition is for Middlesbrough to be a place where we provide every child and young person with the best possible opportunities in life by delivering exceptional family support and social care services that ensure no child is left behind. Middlesbrough is committed to addressing and overcoming the barriers that our communities face, listening to what our children and young people want and need and developing services which will enable them to thrive, not only as children but also into adulthood.
You will provide strategic leadership across children’s services and work closely with the DCS and other members of the children’s services leadership team to deliver long term, strategic plans for the services provided to our children and young people. You will have significant experience of leading in improving systems, supporting communities who face significant challenge, while being able to remain strategic, calm and clear in delivering and embedding improvement over time.
You will demonstrate valued-led, relational leadership that prioritises the outcomes of our children and young people and ensures that all members of our teams are fully committed to the same high-quality opportunities. You will work collaboratively with partners, residents and colleagues across the Council to deliver key priorities based on our improvement plan, national reforms, statutory guidance and strong practice.
You will have a strong track record of partnership delivery and of establishing a culture of practice, quality assurance and performance management which drive continuous improvement. You will demonstrate integrity, self-awareness and a complete commitment to prioritising our children and young people.
If you would like to apply for this role, please upload your CV and covering letter (in 1 document) by clicking Apply Now. If you would like to have an informal, confidential conversation about the role please contact Annabel Bates, Corporate Director of Children’s Services at annabel_bates@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
The above post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Service Director, Quality Assurance and Practice employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director, Quality Assurance and Practice
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children's services sector, especially those who work in Middlesbrough. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, make sure to express your commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your values-driven approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in children's services. Be ready to discuss how you can implement high-quality, place-based approaches in your role. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in making a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to provide exceptional support for children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director, Quality Assurance and Practice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in children's services and how it aligns with our mission at Middlesbrough. We want to see how you can contribute to improving outcomes for children and families!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your leadership approach. We’re looking for someone who embodies values-driven, relational leadership. Share examples of how you've led teams to success and improved systems in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your experience and vision for the role. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with the organisation's mission. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles, especially in children's services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to share concrete examples of your leadership experience, particularly in improving systems and outcomes for children and families. Highlight any strategic initiatives you've led and the impact they had on the community.
✨Understand the Challenges
Research the specific challenges faced by Middlesbrough and its communities. Be prepared to discuss how you would address these challenges and implement effective, place-based approaches that support early intervention and high-quality service delivery.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including partners and colleagues. Share examples of successful partnerships you've built and how they contributed to improved outcomes in your previous roles.
