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- Tasks: Lead and transform children's services to improve outcomes for young people in Swindon.
- Company: Swindon Borough Council is dedicated to enhancing community services and resident experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth and impactful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic, innovative setting.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with strong leadership and improvement track record.
- Other info: Contact Chris Barrow or Anita Denton for an informal chat about the role.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Be the DCS you always wanted to be.
Swindon Borough Council is forging an exciting future. We’re integrating services, connecting our workforce with a sense of mission, fostering improved partnerships, and harnessing AI and data to inform our preventative approach. Our Swindon 2028 programme captures our ambition to transform how we deliver services to achieve better resident outcomes.
Improving outcomes for our children and young people is our number one priority, and we have a clear vision to transform services and improve lives. We\’re now seeking a visionary, creative and passionate Statutory Director of Children’s Services to turn the dial on performance and drive our improvement plans forward. We’ve created additional capacity (in the Prevention and Communities Directorate) to deliver Education and SEND Services to provide assurance and to allow you to focus on the children’s social care improvement journey. With responsibility for Early Help, Social Care and Youth Justice, you’ll play a vital role in embedding the Council’s vision, values and practice framework, implementing the reforms, and ensuring we attract and retain exceptional staff.
A qualified social worker, you’ll have the technical knowledge around children’s social care, but also have the ability to operate as a systems leader with our strategic partners. You’ll empower staff and play a significant role in maintaining the momentum of positive change we’ve created. Crucially, you’ll have a strong track record of improving children’s social care outcomes. This role requires a standout candidate with strong experience and expertise in actively listening to the voice of children, young people and their families, and putting this at the heart of everything you do.
There are exciting opportunities to work outside of your direct sphere of influence and Swindon is a place where you can achieve things quickly and make a real difference. If you’re an inspirational leader who is passionate about making a positive change to the lives of children, young people, and their families, then we’d love to hear from you.
Visit to find out more about the role, the place and how to apply. Or, for an informal discussion, please contact Chris Barrow on 07437 839048 or Anita Denton on 07725 554802 at Tile Hill.
Closing date: midnight on Sunday 31st August 2025
To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (four sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (four sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements.Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only.If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact
Applications should include:
- Full contact details;
- Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
- Details of your current salary and notice period
- Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.
At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email .
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Director of Children\'s Services (DCS) employer: Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tile Hill Executive Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Children\'s Services (DCS)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in children's services, especially those who have experience in local councils. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in children's social care.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Swindon Borough Council's current initiatives and challenges in children's services. This will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your understanding of their specific needs during any informal chats or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in improving children's social care outcomes. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and ability to implement change effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with local community groups or organisations focused on children and young people's welfare. This will not only enhance your understanding of the community's needs but also show your commitment to making a positive impact in Swindon.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Children\'s Services (DCS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Children's Services role. Familiarise yourself with Swindon Borough Council's vision and the specific criteria outlined in the job description.
Craft a Tailored CV: Your CV should highlight relevant experience and achievements that align with the key criteria for the role. Focus on your background in children's social care, leadership skills, and any successful initiatives you've led that improved outcomes for children and families.
Write a Compelling Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, address each key criterion mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet these requirements, showcasing your passion for making a positive impact in children's lives.
Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review all documents for clarity and accuracy. Ensure that your CV and supporting statement are within the specified limits and that all required information is included. Submit your application via the StudySmarter website to ensure it reaches the right people.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a candidate for the Director of Children's Services, it's crucial to articulate your vision for improving children's social care. Be prepared to discuss innovative ideas and how you plan to implement them within the framework of Swindon Borough Council's goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Highlight your track record in improving outcomes for children and young people. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully led initiatives or reforms that align with the council's mission.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires strong partnerships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with other organisations and community partners to enhance service delivery and outcomes for children and families.
✨Listen to the Voices
Since understanding the needs of children and their families is paramount, prepare to share how you've actively listened to their voices in your previous roles. Discuss methods you've used to ensure their feedback informs your decision-making processes.
