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- Tasks: Lead and enhance services for children and young people in our community.
- Company: St Helens Council is dedicated to improving lives and supporting families.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a vibrant leadership team.
- Qualifications: Significant senior management experience in local government children's services required.
- Other info: We are a Disability Confident Leader, promoting equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
St Helens is a modernising Council which is passionate and ambitious for the children and families we support, our communities and our workforce.
As part of our transformation journey, we continue to build on our progress and put children firmly at the centre of our care.
We can only do this because of our highly valued, skilled, and supported workforce.
We are incredibly proud of our Children’s Services improvement journey, which has seen our Ofsted rating go from ‘Inadequate’ in 2019 to ‘Good’ with outstanding features in 2024.
We are committed to making a difference to the lives of children and young people who live in the borough. To do so we need to build on the positive momentum of the last five years and ensure we continue to improve outcomes for all children, whilst tackling deprivation and child poverty and protecting children from vulnerable backgrounds.
We are ambitious as we continue being brilliant at the basics and beyond and as we now work towards becoming outstanding in all areas. Our staff are delivering high quality practice with a total commitment to the children and young people of our borough. We have an integrated senior leadership team and all the ingredients needed to continue to deliver on our bold ambitions. We can\’t wait to deliver the outstanding outcomes our children and young people deserve.
As Director of Children & Young People’s Services , you will play a key part in the council’s senior leadership team and will be responsible for the full range of services to the children & young people of the borough.
We’re seeking an inspirational leader with significant senior management experience within local government children’s services. You’ll have a proven track record and a passion for making a positive difference and improving outcomes for children. You’ll also have excellent partnership skills, a strong political understanding, and the ability to deliver results.
As the statutory DCS, you will drive our children’s services ongoing journey, supported by the council’s senior leadership team, political leaders, and Cabinet. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a vibrant and energetic senior leadership team, for someone who wants to make a real difference to the children, young people and families across our borough.
We are a strong, resilient council that respects and values the individuality and diversity that every employee brings to the organisation. We strive to create a positive, open and inclusive working environment.
Find out more about the range of attractive benefits here
St Helens Borough Council | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career – Employee Benefits
For an informal discussion about the role with our interim DCS or Chief Executive please contact
St Helens Council is a Disability Confident Leader: The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within the interview/selection process. Disability Confident Leaders lead the way in helping to take action that changes attitudes, behaviours, and cultures for the better.
Equality & Diversity: We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. Further information about Equality & Diversity at St Helens Borough Council can be found here
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Director of Children & Young People employer: St Helens Council
Contact Detail:
St Helens Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Children & Young People
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the recent improvements in St Helens' Children’s Services, especially the journey from 'Inadequate' to 'Good' with outstanding features. Highlighting your understanding of this transformation during discussions can demonstrate your commitment to building on this momentum.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in leading teams within local government children’s services. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you have successfully improved outcomes for children and young people, as this aligns with the council's ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasize your partnership skills and political understanding. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, so be ready to share instances where you've effectively worked with different groups to achieve positive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people. This position is about leadership and inspiration, so convey your vision for how you would continue to drive the council’s children’s services forward.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Children & Young People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities and expectations for the Director of Children & Young People. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the council's ambitions.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: In your application, emphasize your significant senior management experience within local government children's services. Provide specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles, particularly in improving outcomes for children and young people.
Demonstrate Partnership Skills: Highlight your excellent partnership skills and political understanding. Discuss any collaborative projects you've led or been a part of that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with various stakeholders to achieve results.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Reflect on your commitment to creating an inclusive working environment. Share experiences where you have promoted equality and diversity within your teams or organizations, aligning with St Helens Council's values.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Council
✨Show Your Passion for Children’s Services
Make sure to express your genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to making a positive difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your significant senior management experience within local government children's services. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led teams, managed change, and driven improvements in service delivery.
✨Understand the Local Context
Research St Helens Council and its recent achievements, especially the improvement journey from 'Inadequate' to 'Good'. Show that you understand the local challenges, such as tackling deprivation and child poverty, and how you plan to address them.
✨Emphasize Partnership Skills
Discuss your excellent partnership skills and political understanding. Provide examples of how you've collaborated with various stakeholders to achieve results, and how you plan to work with the council's senior leadership team and political leaders.
