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- Tasks: Lead and transform children's services with a focus on safeguarding and quality assurance.
- Company: Dynamic local authority committed to child-centred services.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible hybrid working, and supportive leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a pivotal transformation in children's services.
- Qualifications: Experience in local authority children's services and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape lasting change and drive service improvement.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Interim Assistant Director of Children\’s Services
Location: South East
Contract: 6 months
Rate: 675- 725 per day (Inside IR35)
Role: Hybrid (2 days per week on-site)
A proactive and ambitious South East local authority is seeking an experienced Interim Assistant Director of Children\’s Services to provide operational and strategic leadership across key service areas during a pivotal period of transformation.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a council that is committed to delivering high-impact, child-centred services. Working alongside the Director of Children\’s Services and senior leadership team, you will drive forward service improvement plans while maintaining oversight of front line delivery.
You will be responsible for leading key functions, including safeguarding, children in care, and quality assurance, with a strong focus on performance, partnership engagement, and inspection readiness.
What we\’re looking for:
- Proven experience as an Assistant Director or Head of Service within a local authority children\’s services setting
- Strong track record of leading improvement journeys and managing change
- Deep understanding of safeguarding frameworks, risk management, and service delivery
- Ability to build trust across multi-agency partnerships and lead high-performing teams
- Confident, visible leadership and clear decision-making in complex environments
The Role:
- High-impact leadership role during a critical period of service development
- Supportive, stable senior leadership and clear political backing
- Opportunity to shape and embed lasting change across services
- Flexible hybrid working arrangement
- Competitive day rate (Inside IR35)
If you\’re looking for a role where your leadership can make a tangible difference, this is the right time and the right place.
For a confidential discussion, contact:
Jaiden Williams – (phone number removed)
Interim Assistant Director of Children\'s Services employer: Panoramic Associates
Contact Detail:
Panoramic Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Assistant Director of Children\'s Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the local authority sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on roles that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and service delivery. Be ready to discuss your past experiences leading improvement journeys, as this will show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that align with your skills and values. Check out our website for tailored opportunities that match your expertise in children's services – we’ve got some great positions waiting for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Share your enthusiasm for the role and reiterate how your leadership can make a difference in their services.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Assistant Director of Children\'s Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in children's services. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Interim Assistant Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Leadership Experience: This role is all about high-impact leadership, so be sure to emphasise your previous roles where you’ve led teams or driven service improvements. We’re looking for confident leaders who can make decisions in complex environments.
Highlight Your Understanding of Safeguarding: Given the focus on safeguarding and risk management, it’s crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of these frameworks. We want to know how you've applied this knowledge in past roles to ensure child-centred services.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you in the running for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panoramic Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and risk management. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully led improvement journeys or managed change in children's services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach, especially in complex environments. Think of instances where you've built trust across multi-agency partnerships and how you’ve led high-performing teams. This will demonstrate your ability to be a confident and visible leader.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Research the local authority’s current initiatives and challenges. Being able to align your vision with theirs shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to their mission of delivering high-impact, child-centred services.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the council's objectives. Inquire about their service improvement plans and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
