At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative children's services and make a lasting impact on vulnerable young lives.
- Company: Nottingham City Council, committed to building better futures for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to influence policy and practice.
- Why this job: Shape services that matter and empower children to thrive in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Registered Social Worker with leadership experience in complex children's services.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to innovation and positive change.
The predicted salary is between 70656 - 79167 £ per year.
Nottingham City Council – Head of Children’s Regulated Services
Nottingham City Council is seeking an exceptional leader to take on a transformative role as Head of Children’s Regulated Services. This is more than a job — it’s a chance to lead with purpose, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact in a city that’s ambitious for its children.
Role: Head of Children’s Regulated Services
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG
Worker Type: Hybrid
Salary: £70,656 (Level One) to £79,167 (Level Four) per annum
About the Role
You’ll be at the forefront of delivering high-quality, regulated services that support some of our most vulnerable children and young people. From children’s homes and fostering services to corporate parenting and semi-independent provision, you’ll lead a diverse portfolio with strategic vision and operational excellence.
Your leadership will directly influence the lives of children — helping them feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. Whether it’s ensuring a child finds a loving foster home, improving the quality of residential care, or strengthening the voice of young people in service design, your work will help unlock brighter futures.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide visionary leadership across regulated services
- Act as Responsible Individual for fostering and residential care
- Drive innovation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement
- Lead on placement sufficiency and commissioning strategies
- Champion co-production and child-centred practice
- Ensure full compliance with Ofsted and statutory frameworks
What You’ll Bring
- Registered Social Worker (Social Work England) with a relevant management qualification
- Proven leadership in complex children’s services environments
- A strong track record of strategic delivery and service transformation
- Experience managing regulated services and navigating inspections
- Outstanding partnership, governance, and financial acumen
- Deep commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and corporate parenting
Why Nottingham? Why Now?
Nottingham is a city of energy, diversity, and ambition. We’re investing in our children’s services and committed to building better futures. You’ll join a passionate, forward-thinking team that’s determined to make a difference — and you’ll have the autonomy and support to lead boldly.
This is your opportunity to shape services that truly matter, influence policy and practice, and be part of a city-wide movement for change. The impact of your leadership will be felt in every child who finds stability, every young person who gains confidence, and every family who feels supported.
Ready to lead with impact?
We’d love to hear from visionary leaders who are passionate about children’s futures and ready to take the next bold step in their career.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements for appointment to: helen.pearson2 at nottinghamcity.gov.uk
- The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Friday 24th October 2025.
- Interviews are tentatively scheduled for week commencing 7th November 2025.
Please get in touch with Carolann.james at nottinghamcity.gov.uk if you would like an informal chat about the role.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Other
- Industries: Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Nottingham City Council.
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Head of Children’s Regulated Services employer: Nottingham City Council
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Children’s Regulated Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend events, and connect with others who share your passion for children's services. 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 Nottingham City Council and their current initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their mission and how you can contribute to their vision for children’s futures.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven innovation and improved services in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can truly make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Children’s Regulated Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Children’s Regulated Services. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications that align with the job description. We want to see how your background makes you the perfect fit for this transformative position!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your vision aligns with Nottingham City Council's goals for children’s services. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and improve service quality.
Showcase Your Passion: We’re looking for leaders who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in children's lives. In your application, let us know why this role matters to you and how you plan to champion co-production and child-centred practices in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your CV and cover letter reach the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Nottingham City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, think about how your leadership can transform children's services. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in complex environments.
✨Understand the Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with Ofsted and statutory frameworks relevant to children's regulated services. This knowledge will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the compliance landscape.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your strategic vision for the role. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to Nottingham City Council and how you would champion child-centred practices in service design.
✨Engage with Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers. Ask about their current challenges and how they envision the future of children’s services. This shows your genuine interest and commitment to making a positive impact.