Interim Director / Head of Children’s Services (Confidential)
North of England - Interim / Fixed-Term (3–6 months)
Competitive Day Rate / Salary – Market Aligned
We are seeking an experienced Interim Director / Head of Children’s Services to provide senior leadership and operational oversight across a portfolio of children’s residential services in the North of England. The role will suit a seasoned leader who can step in quickly, provide stability, and ensure strong regulatory, safeguarding and operational performance.
The Role
Reporting at executive level, you will:
- Act as Responsible Individual (Ofsted) for children’s homes within the region
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple services
- Maintain oversight of safeguarding, quality, and regulatory compliance
- Support and challenge Registered Managers and senior leaders to deliver consistently high standards
- Ensure services are inspection‑ready, embedding learning from Regulation 44/45 and Ofsted feedback
- Oversee workforce leadership, safer recruitment, supervision and performance management
- Provide financial and commercial oversight, supporting occupancy, placement stability and service sustainability
- Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners and external stakeholders
- Contribute to service development and improvement activity during the transition period
About You
You will be an established senior leader in children’s residential services, with:
- Significant experience in a regional / multi‑site children’s services leadership role
- Proven experience acting as, or supporting, a Responsible Individual (Ofsted)
- Strong working knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
- A confident, credible leadership style with the ability to influence at senior and board level
- Strong safeguarding, quality assurance and risk management expertise
- Sound financial and commercial awareness
- Availability to start at short notice and commit to a 3–6 month interim assignment
- Willingness to travel across the region (including occasional overnight stays)
- Experience across both children’s and adult services, service growth, or working closely with commissioners would be advantageous.
What’s on Offer
- Interim / fixed‑term contract (3–6 months, with potential flexibility)
- Competitive day rate or salary, aligned to senior interim market benchmarks
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact during a critical transition phase
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Interim Director/Head of Children's Services in Manchester employer: Potens UK
At Potens, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our staff to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs. Located in the beautiful coastal town of Dawlish, Devon, we provide comprehensive benefits, including competitive pay, a contributory pension scheme, and extensive training opportunities to foster your professional growth. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and offers meaningful work in a nurturing environment.
