At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative change in Children's Social Care and Early Help for better outcomes.
- Company: Leading local authority focused on improving services for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team and drive significant improvements in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through innovative transformation initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale transformation within Children's Services or public sector.
Surrey | Hybrid Working | Interim Contract until March 2027 | £600 to £800 per day Umbrella
Are you an experienced transformation leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and families? We are working in partnership with a leading local authority to recruit an Interim Programme Lead to deliver a high-profile transformation programme across Children's Social Care, Early Help and the wider directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to lead complex, system-wide change, working alongside senior leaders to shape and deliver ambitious transformation that will improve services, drive efficiencies and deliver lasting benefits for children and families.
The Role
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Transformation, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for a significant programme of change, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned to the council's wider priorities. You will lead a team of Programme, Transformation and Project Managers while working collaboratively with Assistant Directors, Heads of Service and partner organisations to embed sustainable improvement across Children's Services.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of a complex transformation programme across Children's Social Care and Early Help.
- Develop and oversee a prioritised programme of change aligned to strategic objectives.
- Provide leadership, direction and support to programme and project teams.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the organisation and partner agencies.
- Ensure effective programme governance, reporting and risk management.
- Drive service improvement through innovation, collaboration and evidence-based decision making.
- Support the delivery of financial efficiencies while improving outcomes for children and families.
About You
We're looking for an experienced programme leader who can demonstrate:
- Significant experience delivering large-scale transformation programmes within Children's Services, local government or a comparable public sector environment.
- A proven track record of delivering measurable service improvements and financial efficiencies.
- Strong programme management, governance and change management expertise.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior leadership level.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through complex organisational change.
- A strategic mindset combined with a hands-on approach to programme delivery.
What's on Offer?
- Interim contract through to 31 March 2027
- Hybrid working
- Competitive senior-level day rate
- Opportunity to lead a high-profile transformation programme with real impact
- Oversight of a £1.3m programme budget and delivery of significant transformation initiatives
- Leadership of a dedicated programme and transformation team
If you're a driven transformation professional looking to make a lasting difference to Children's Services, we'd love to hear from you. To find out more or to apply in confidence, please contact apply online or contact Rebecca at Sellick Partnership.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Interim Programme Lead - Children's Social Care Transformation employer: Sellick Partnership
At Sellick Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and employee growth. As a Mobile Caretaker in Nottinghamshire, you'll enjoy the benefits of a company van, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in local neighbourhoods while working alongside a dedicated housing team. We foster an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to creating safe, clean, and well-managed communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Programme Lead - Children's Social Care Transformation
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Sellick Partnership, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Programme Lead - Children's Social Care Transformation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Sellick Partnership. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Sellick Partnership. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Sellick Partnership.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Interim Programme Lead - Children's Social Care Transformation role at Sellick Partnership, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Sellick Partnership that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
