Strategic Director of Children’s Services

Connected Local Government; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Greater London is looking for a Director of Children's Services to lead and manage statutory services aimed at improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families. The role requires strategic leadership in coordinating services across multi-disciplinary teams and ensures high-quality integrated support. The ideal candidate will have experience in child protection and fostering strong partnerships with various stakeholders. Applications close on 1st February 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading statutory services to children and families.
• Strong understanding of child protection and safeguarding legislation.
• Proven ability to work in a multi-agency environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage statutory services for children and families.
• Coordinate activities for integrated service delivery.
• Build relationships with statutory and voluntary partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Multi-disciplinary team management

Child protection knowledge

Integrated service delivery

Partnership building

Education

Relevant degree in social work or child services

Job description

Role Purpose

• To lead and manage a range of statutory services to children and families for children in need, children in need of protection, children looked after, those subject to Court proceedings and those young people involved in or on the periphery of the criminal justice system.
• To be the Council’s Statutory Director of Children’s Services and responsible for duties as set out in the statutory guidance on role and responsibilities.
• The postholder will lead and manage a range of non-statutory services providing integrated multidisciplinary early help support to vulnerable children and young people and families.
• The postholder will lead and direct the development of provision for children and young people vulnerable to poor outcomes, bringing together a broad range of professionals in multi-disciplinary teams. To provide strategic leadership to the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

The Director of Children’s Services holds the strategic lead for the:

• Development and provision of high-quality specialist services to vulnerable children and young people, including the commissioning of residential placements, including Secure provision.
• Development and provision of high-quality integrated early support services to children and young people with additional needs, and through multi-agency partnerships.
• As a leader of the Children and Families Management Team, ensure the delivery of high-quality, high-value services that improve the outcomes of children and families across the borough.
• Lead across the directorate, the council and with partners, co-ordinating activities for the delivery of services to children and young people through the integrated Team around the Family Hub model.
• Ensure high-quality relationships are built with all statutory and voluntary sector partners, promoting integration of activity to improve outcomes for children and young people in Harrow.

If you’re ready to make a real impact and lasting difference and would like a confidential discussion regarding the role, please get in touch with Marcus Hall or Simon Ray at Hamptons to discuss the opportunity further.

Applications close 5pm – 1st February 2026

Marcus– Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Simon– Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]