At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve children's services, making a real difference in young lives.
- Company: Trafford Council, a vibrant and inclusive borough in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible perks, and strong development support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to making a positive impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's services and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for driving improvement.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Trafford is an ambitious borough with high aspirations for its children and young people. We are seeking an exceptional leader to help shape the next phase of our improvement journey. Following our recent Ofsted inspection, we have been honest about the challenges we face and are committed to delivering the improvements that children, young people and families deserve.
This is a leadership role with purpose, impact and visibility, offering the opportunity to shape the future of services and make a lasting difference to lives across Trafford. You will be joining a council that is fully committed to improvement and where delivering the best start in life for children and young people is a corporate priority.
Strong political and corporate support, alongside established partnerships across education, health, policing and the voluntary sector, provide a solid platform for the journey ahead. Importantly, this is not about starting from scratch. Alongside the areas identified for improvement, there are real strengths to build on, dedicated staff, talented leaders and a workforce committed to improving outcomes.
There is a shared determination across the organisation and our partners to create services that are safe, effective and centred on the needs of children and families. We are looking for a credible and inspiring leader with a strong track record of driving improvement, building effective partnerships and delivering better outcomes.
You will provide visible leadership, inspire confidence, empower colleagues and ensure children and young people remain at the heart of every decision, positioning Trafford at the forefront of national children's services reforms. The journey ahead will be demanding, but with strong political, corporate and partnership support, we are confident in our ability to deliver lasting improvement.
Our EPIC values of Empowerment, People centred decision-making, Inclusion and Collaboration underpin everything we do and will be central to your leadership approach. This is a rare opportunity to help shape Trafford's future, influence lives and leave a legacy for children, young people and families. If you share our ambition, we would love to hear from you.
About us... Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We're a place where community and opportunity meet.
Why Trafford? We're more than just a local authority; we're a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our residents, businesses and communities thrive.
Our Culture... Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They're not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day. They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.
What you'll love about working with us... Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working.
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and "Tea and Talk" sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let's Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers' scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
Key Information... Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we'd need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council
Corporate Director of Children's Services in Stretford employer: Trafford Council
Trafford Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on local services. With hybrid working options and a commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to a modern Audit and Assurance service that prioritises positive customer outcomes in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Director of Children's Services in Stretford
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Trafford Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Trafford Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Director of Children's Services in Stretford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Trafford Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Trafford Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Trafford Council.
