At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform children's social care services in Swindon, focusing on early help and safeguarding.
- Company: Swindon Borough Council, committed to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Supportive leadership environment, strong corporate backing, and investment in professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with passionate colleagues and drive impactful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape the future of social care.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in leading improvements in complex systems.
Shape the future of children’s social care in Swindon. Swindon Borough Council is forging an exciting future. We’re integrating services, connecting our workforce with a shared sense of purpose, strengthening partnerships, and using AI and data to drive a preventative, insight-led approach. Our Swindon 2028 programme sets out a bold ambition to transform how we deliver services and achieve better outcomes for our communities.
Improving outcomes for children and young people is our top priority. We’re on a significant improvement journey, with strong foundations and clear progress, recognised through monitoring visits. We’re now seeking a visionary, creative and driven Director of Children’s Social Care (Family Help and Safeguarding) to sustain momentum, embed lasting change and ensure consistently strong practice for children and families.
This is a pivotal role at a critical point in our journey. With responsibility for targeted Early Help, Family Help and Safeguarding, and Youth Justice, you’ll lead the next phase of improvement. You’ll drive delivery of Families First reforms, strengthen practice quality, and ensure services work together to reduce demand through earlier, more effective support.
You’ll join a supportive and ambitious leadership environment, with strong corporate and political backing and sustained investment in early help and prevention. With a clear remit, you’ll have the space, support and autonomy to lead with clarity and impact and shape your team.
This is a role where you can see impact quickly. With strong foundations in place, the focus is on raising standards, embedding practice and delivering sustainable change. You’ll work with experienced colleagues, committed partners and a workforce passionate about making a difference.
As a qualified social worker, you’ll bring deep expertise and the ability to lead within a complex system. You’ll be confident working in an improving authority, able to translate vision into practice and drive shared accountability with partners. Experience of delivering sustained improvement will be key.
Just as importantly, you’ll be a visible and values-led leader. You’ll invest in your workforce, create the conditions for them to thrive, and champion high-quality practice, ensuring the voices of children, young people and families are central to everything we do.
Swindon is a place where you can make a real difference. With strong foundations, a committed workforce and improving partnerships, this is an opportunity to take services to the next level. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, pace and impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date: midnight on Sunday 24th May 2026.
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three 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.
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 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.
Director Children's Social Care (Family Help and Safeguarding) in New Town employer: TILE HILL
Swindon Borough Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families in a supportive and ambitious leadership environment. With strong corporate backing and a commitment to investing in early help and prevention, employees are empowered to make a real difference while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with passionate colleagues. Join us in shaping the future of children's social care in Swindon, where your leadership can drive meaningful change and impact the community positively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Children's Social Care (Family Help and Safeguarding) in New Town
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Swindon Borough Council and their initiatives like the Swindon 2028 programme. Understanding their goals will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which can be a game-changer in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to children's social care. Think about how your experience aligns with their vision and be ready to share specific examples of your achievements in improving outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and ready to take that next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Children's Social Care (Family Help and Safeguarding) in New Town
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On:Make sure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the role. Highlight your relevant experience in children's social care, especially any leadership roles or achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to detail your experience and how it meets the key criteria for the role. Don’t forget to include specific examples that showcase your skills and impact.
Follow the Application Guidelines:Stick to the application guidelines provided. Keep your CV and supporting statement within the specified length and format. This shows us you can follow instructions and pay attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at TILE HILL
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for children's social care. Think about how you can align your ideas with Swindon Borough Council's goals, especially around improving outcomes for children and young people. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven change in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you invest in your workforce and create conditions for them to thrive. Use real-life examples to illustrate how you've championed high-quality practice and engaged with teams to ensure the voices of children and families are central to your work.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Improvement
This role is all about driving improvement, so be sure to highlight your experience in delivering sustained change. Prepare to discuss specific initiatives you've led that resulted in measurable improvements, particularly in early help and safeguarding. This will show your ability to translate vision into practice effectively.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions. Ask about the council's current challenges in children's social care and how they envision the new Director contributing to their ambitious goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
