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Senior leader

Includes assistant directors and directors of children's services.

Development programmes

The programmes we fund for social work leaders include:

  • the DCS Leadership Programme (formerly Upon): Inspiring Leaders, delivered by The Staff College, The Institute of Public Care, Skills for Care and GatenbySanderson
  • the Pathways Programme was a leadership development programme funded by the Department for Education running from autumn 2022 to summer 2024

Building on this success, we are currently developing a self-study continuing professional development (CPD) offer. This new resource will be based on the 4 core Pathways originally delivered by Frontline, ensuring the legacy of the programme will continue to benefit aspiring leaders.  

The Aspirant Directors Programme

For social work leaders who want to develop the skills to become directors of children's services in the next 3 years.


The New Directors Programme

For new directors of children's services to develop their leadership, management and technical skills.


View all programmes


Roles

Assistant directors oversee the strategic development, management, and delivery of services that support and protect children and families.

Directors of children’s services lead, manage and take overall responsibility for the delivery of high-quality social care in their local authority.

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