Dorset Council is at the forefront of innovation in local government, taking bold steps to transform public services. We are a forward-thinking local authority committed to delivering exemplary services for children, young people, and families.
As part of our ambitious journey, we are focused on strengthening Dorset’s position regionally and nationally while creating a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant environment for our residents. We are committed to delivering outstanding public services, building a dynamic economy, and ensuring Dorset is a place where people can live, work, learn, and thrive. We believe in the potential of our people to positively impact both our organisation and the communities we serve.
Our Integrated Model Unites Services Across 6 Locality Teams, Supported By a Central Team Of Specialists. This Structure Allows Us To Deliver On Key Priorities, Which Include: Best Start in Life Young and Thriving Good Care Provision The Best Education for All Delivering Locally Best Place to Live Safe at Home and in the Community The Opportunity
We are seeking an inspirational leader to join us as the
Corporate Director - Children’s Care and Protection . In this pivotal role, you will lead and shape Dorset’s Children’s Care and Protection Service, driving innovation and ensuring that all services meet the needs of children, young people, and families. Reporting to the Executive Director of People - Children, you will ensure high-quality services for children and families in alignment with national legislative frameworks and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. This includes key areas such as safeguarding, social work, adoption services, and early help. Your role will also cover: Birth to Settled Adulthood: Seamlessly integrating with Adult Services and the Integrated Care System to improve service delivery. Children in Care: Keeping children within Dorset wherever possible and providing leadership to our residential teams. Care Leavers: Nurturing innovative projects to meet the needs of care leavers and ensuring robust support. Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC): Leading a specialist team to provide the highest quality care. Children’s Advice and Duty (ChAD): Managing our multi-disciplinary 'front door' service to assist with safeguarding enquiries. Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service: Offering leadership and oversight in partnership with external agencies. Aspire Adoption: Promoting exceptional partnership services in adoption. Locality Teams: Inspiring East and Purbeck, Dorchester, and West Locality teams to foster an aspirational culture for children and families. Key Responsibilities
Lead the strategic development and delivery of the Children’s Care and Protection Service. Ensure effective safeguarding and protection for children and families at all levels of need. Collaborate with health, education, and police partners to deliver integrated services. Work closely with the Directorate Leadership Team and Elected Members to deliver our vision and strategic direction. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and diverse culture of excellence, enabling flexible and responsive ways of working. Act as a strategic change maker, driving service transformation. Manage budgets effectively, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and aligned with service goals. About You
To excel in this role, you will be a visionary and experienced senior leader with a strong background in children's social care and protection. You will have extensive experience of managing complex safeguarding services, as well as a deep understanding of SEND and multi-agency collaboration. Essential Qualifications And Skills
Degree level education. Relevant professional qualifications or certifications in social work, or a related field. Qualified Social Worker with registration or eligibility for registration with Social Work England. Significant strategic experience in a leadership role within Children’s Services Social Care. In-depth knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks and statutory requirements. Proven track record in strategic planning, operational management, and stakeholder engagement. Strong budget management skills and experience in delivering efficiencies. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Why Join Us?
We are leading the national children’s social care transformation as a Wave 1 Families First for Children Pathfinder authority. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking, dynamic council, committed to improving outcomes for children and families in Dorset. As part of our team, you will help shape the future of public services in Dorset and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.
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As part of our ambitious journey, we are focused on strengthening Dorset’s position regionally and nationally while creating a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant environment for our residents. We are committed to delivering outstanding public services, building a dynamic economy, and ensuring Dorset is a place where people can live, work, learn, and thrive. We believe in the potential of our people to positively impact both our organisation and the communities we serve.
Our Integrated Model Unites Services Across 6 Locality Teams, Supported By a Central Team Of Specialists. This Structure Allows Us To Deliver On Key Priorities, Which Include: Best Start in Life Young and Thriving Good Care Provision The Best Education for All Delivering Locally Best Place to Live Safe at Home and in the Community The Opportunity
We are seeking an inspirational leader to join us as the
Corporate Director - Children’s Care and Protection . In this pivotal role, you will lead and shape Dorset’s Children’s Care and Protection Service, driving innovation and ensuring that all services meet the needs of children, young people, and families. Reporting to the Executive Director of People - Children, you will ensure high-quality services for children and families in alignment with national legislative frameworks and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. This includes key areas such as safeguarding, social work, adoption services, and early help. Your role will also cover: Birth to Settled Adulthood: Seamlessly integrating with Adult Services and the Integrated Care System to improve service delivery. Children in Care: Keeping children within Dorset wherever possible and providing leadership to our residential teams. Care Leavers: Nurturing innovative projects to meet the needs of care leavers and ensuring robust support. Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC): Leading a specialist team to provide the highest quality care. Children’s Advice and Duty (ChAD): Managing our multi-disciplinary 'front door' service to assist with safeguarding enquiries. Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service: Offering leadership and oversight in partnership with external agencies. Aspire Adoption: Promoting exceptional partnership services in adoption. Locality Teams: Inspiring East and Purbeck, Dorchester, and West Locality teams to foster an aspirational culture for children and families. Key Responsibilities
Lead the strategic development and delivery of the Children’s Care and Protection Service. Ensure effective safeguarding and protection for children and families at all levels of need. Collaborate with health, education, and police partners to deliver integrated services. Work closely with the Directorate Leadership Team and Elected Members to deliver our vision and strategic direction. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and diverse culture of excellence, enabling flexible and responsive ways of working. Act as a strategic change maker, driving service transformation. Manage budgets effectively, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and aligned with service goals. About You
To excel in this role, you will be a visionary and experienced senior leader with a strong background in children's social care and protection. You will have extensive experience of managing complex safeguarding services, as well as a deep understanding of SEND and multi-agency collaboration. Essential Qualifications And Skills
Degree level education. Relevant professional qualifications or certifications in social work, or a related field. Qualified Social Worker with registration or eligibility for registration with Social Work England. Significant strategic experience in a leadership role within Children’s Services Social Care. In-depth knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks and statutory requirements. Proven track record in strategic planning, operational management, and stakeholder engagement. Strong budget management skills and experience in delivering efficiencies. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Why Join Us?
We are leading the national children’s social care transformation as a Wave 1 Families First for Children Pathfinder authority. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking, dynamic council, committed to improving outcomes for children and families in Dorset. As part of our team, you will help shape the future of public services in Dorset and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
