Director of children's services
You'll lead, manage and take overall responsibility for the delivery of high-quality social care in their local authority.
Director's of children's services are also referred to as directors of children’s social care.
What you'll do
As a director of children’s services you’ll:
- provide strategic leadership of children's services to align with national policies and local authority objectives
- oversee the planning, development and delivery of services
- define and implement the strategic vision for children's services across a local authority
- lead on developing co-operation with external partners including schools, health and police
- have oversight of the budget and resources allocated to children's services
- ensure services provided by external partners deliver for children and represent value for money
- sit on national boards and report to organisations such as the Department for Education
- develop and implement policies and initiatives that promote the welfare of children
- manage a team of professionals and ensure high standards of practice
The role of director of children's services is subject to statutory guidance. This sets out:
- the process for appointing a director of children's services
- the role and responsibilities of post holders
- what local authorities must do to comply with the law
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- leadership skills to provide strategic direction, motivate teams and manage resources
- strategic thinking to analyse complex issues and make informed decisions
- in-depth knowledge of legislation, regulations and policies related to children's services and social care
- expert knowledge of running a public sector organisation
- financial management skills to ensure effective use of resources
- communication skills to build relationships and negotiate with external partners
- knowledge of safeguarding principles to ensure the well-being of children
- the ability to evaluate service performance and implement continuous improvement measures
How to become one
To become a director of children’s services you must:
- ideally have a professional qualification such as the Level 7 Diploma in Management and Leadership
- have experience leading multidisciplinary teams, implementing strategic plans and driving organisational change
- have experience managing budgets and allocating resources
If you’re an assistant director, the aspirant directors programme can help prepare you to progress to a director of children's services role.
Career roles and progression
With experience you could:
- move into a senior leadership position in a social work organisation such as chief executive officer or chief operating officer
- move into research and teaching
The new directors programme can help new directors of children’s services develop their leadership, management and technical skills.
Career opportunities
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