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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in children's services, ensuring high-quality delivery and championing young people's rights.
- Company: Durham County Council, a leader in integrated children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader and transform lives in one of the UK's largest councils.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for children's services.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation, inclusion, and community empowerment.
Corporate Director of Children and Young People\’s Services
Job Summary
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full time
- Advert Start Date: 13/10/2025
- Advert End Date: 09/11/2025 23:59
- Salary: £171,760
- Hours per week: 37
- Job Category: Executive / Managerial
- Vacancy ID: 287243
- Employment Location: An approved team location. Hybrid working applies.
- Number of posts: 1
- Closing date: 9 Nov
Further Information
Are you ready to lead one of the UK\’s most ambitious and high-performing children\’s services?
Durham County Council is seeking an outstanding leader to join its corporate leadership team as Director of Children and Young People\’s Services – a role that offers the opportunity to build on a legacy of excellence to drive forward innovation, inclusion, and impact.
Following a period of significant transformation, our Children\’s Services have achieved an Ofsted rating of Outstanding, reflecting the strength of our leadership, the quality of our practice, and our unwavering commitment to children, young people, and families across the county.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead a talented and stable senior management team across education, social care, early help, SEND, and youth services.
You will be responsible for shaping strategic direction, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and championing the voice and rights of children and young people in everything we do.
This is a role for a visionary leader, someone who can inspire teams, influence partners, and deliver outcomes that change lives. You will work closely with schools, health services, voluntary organisations, and communities to ensure every child in County Durham has the opportunity to thrive.
We are proud of our achievements, but we are not standing still. Our ambition is to be a national leader in integrated children\’s services, with a strong focus on prevention, inclusion, and co-production. You will play a key role in delivering our Council Plan priorities and supporting our administration\’s commitment to fairness, opportunity, and community empowerment.
If you are passionate about making a difference and ready to lead at scale at one of the largest councils in the country, we would be delighted to hear from you.
To find out more, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Nick Raper on 07715 690463 or Carol Coyle on 07500 887 849 for a confidential conversation.
Supporting documents
- DirectorCYPSJobDescription.pdf (180.6 KB)
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Corporate Director of Children and Young People\'s Services employer: Penna
Contact Detail:
Penna Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Director of Children and Young People\'s Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re the visionary leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in children and young people's services.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Director of Children and Young People\'s Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Corporate Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our vision for children and young people's services.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use concrete examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in areas like innovation and inclusion.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for a visionary leader, so share your passion for making a difference and how you inspire teams to achieve great outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penna
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Corporate Director of Children and Young People's Services. Familiarise yourself with Durham County Council's recent achievements, especially the Ofsted rating of Outstanding. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the position.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for children's services. Think about how you can drive innovation and inclusion while ensuring high-quality service delivery. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you would implement to champion the voice and rights of children and young people.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in collaborating with various stakeholders, such as schools, health services, and community organisations. Share examples of how you've successfully influenced partners and built strong relationships to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a visionary leader, it's crucial to showcase your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you inspire teams and manage change effectively. Use real-life examples to illustrate your ability to lead a talented management team and drive transformation in children's services.