At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in children's social care, ensuring high-quality support for children and families.
- Company: Durham County Council, known for excellence in Children’s Services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £135,406 and opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Other info: Join a team committed to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in children's services and strong partnership-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 135406 - 151000 £ per year.
Durham County Council is proud of its strong legacy of excellence within Children’s Services. Following a period of significant transformation, the service has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted, reflecting the high quality of our practice, the strength of our leadership, and our unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families. We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join us as our Head of Children’s Social Care - a pivotal role offering the opportunity to build on an established record of success while driving forward innovation, inclusion, and meaningful impact.
As Head of Children’s Social Care, you will provide strategic leadership across a broad portfolio of statutory and specialist services, ensuring that children are effectively safeguarded, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive. You will oversee assessment and safeguarding services, early help services, looked after children and permanence teams, fostering, adoption, residential care, and care leaver provision, ensuring each area delivers high‑quality, compliant, and impactful practice.
A key part of your leadership will involve working collaboratively with partners to implement robust safeguarding arrangements, maintain strong operational links with the family courts, and ensure that early help pathways and social care reforms are effectively embedded. You will also ensure that the council maintains a sufficient range of placements - both internal and commissioned - while working proactively with Ofsted and other inspection bodies to maintain excellence across regulated services. You will champion continuous improvement through strong quality assurance, effective performance management, and a culture of learning.
As a senior leader within the council, you will also contribute to broader transformation priorities, provide clear leadership to teams and managers, oversee staffing and budgets, and maintain productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, you will play a key governance role by supporting the Corporate Parenting Panel and presenting to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, ensuring transparency, accountability, and a steadfast focus on the needs and experiences of children and young people.
We are looking for a visionary, compassionate, and resilient leader with:
- A strong track record of delivering high‑performing children’s social care services.
- Deep knowledge of statutory frameworks, regulatory requirements, and best practice.
- Proven experience of leading transformational change and service improvement.
- Excellent partnership‑building skills and the ability to influence at a senior level.
- A passionate commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and improving outcomes for children.
To find out more, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Nick Raper on 07715 690463, or Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 for a confidential conversation, or visit www.durhamleadership.co.uk for further information.
Closing: Midnight on Sunday 15th March 2026
Head of Children\'s Social Care in Durham employer: Penna Executive Search
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to excellence in Children’s Services, as evidenced by its Outstanding Ofsted rating. The council fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering extensive opportunities for professional growth and development while prioritising the well-being of its employees. Joining us means being part of a transformative journey that directly impacts the lives of children and families in our community, all within a supportive environment that champions innovation and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Children\'s Social Care in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care 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 researching the latest trends in children's social care. Be ready to discuss how you can drive innovation and improve outcomes, just like Durham County Council is doing. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! As a potential Head of Children’s Social Care, you’ll need to demonstrate your vision and commitment to safeguarding. Get comfortable talking about your past successes and how they align with the council's goals.
✨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 and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Children\'s Social Care in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Children’s Social Care role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the council's commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead transformational change. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully driven service improvements and built strong partnerships.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas effectively, ensuring that your passion for children's social care shines through without unnecessary jargon.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly and you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penna Executive Search
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the statutory frameworks and regulatory requirements relevant to children's social care. Brush up on recent Ofsted reports and any changes in legislation that could impact the role. This will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to safeguarding.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led transformational change in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Build Connections
Highlight your partnership-building skills by sharing examples of how you've collaborated with various stakeholders, including family courts and external agencies. Emphasise your ability to influence at a senior level and maintain productive relationships.
✨Be Passionate and Visionary
Demonstrate your passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. Share your vision for the future of children's social care and how you plan to drive innovation and inclusion within the service. This will resonate well with the council's commitment to excellence.
