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- Tasks: Lead and improve children's services during a transformative period.
- Company: Dynamic local authority committed to child-centred services.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and supportive leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and shape lasting change.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services leadership and strong safeguarding knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a stable environment.
Job Title: Interim Assistant Director of Children\’s Services
Is this the next step in your career Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below.
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 environmentsThe 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 a role that’s perfect for you.
✨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 and how they align with the needs of the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and improved services. This will demonstrate your ability to drive forward service improvement plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can make a difference in children’s 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 skills align with the role of Interim Assistant Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
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 keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
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 service delivery. Familiarise yourself with the local authority's current challenges and successes, as well as their strategic goals. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also invested in the council's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading improvement journeys and managing change. Think about specific situations where you've built trust within multi-agency partnerships or led high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss how you can bring that same energy to this role.
✨Be Ready for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions that test your decision-making skills in complex environments. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated difficult situations in the past, particularly in children's services. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the pressures of the role effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's vision for children's services and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
