Lead Transformational Change as Corporate Director for Children & Education Services Job: Corporate Director for Children & Education Services Grade : Chief Officer Salary : £142,950 to £166,434 Location: Loxley House, Nottingham ️ Thank you for your interest in joining Nottingham City Council. We have already launched an exciting period of transformation across the Council, aligned to our recent Improvement Plan. We are committed to overcoming the challenges of recent years whilst setting an ambitious, forward-thinking course for the city’s future. With a clear vision and a strong resolve, we are determined to create lasting, positive change, ensuring Nottingham thrives and continues to serve its residents with excellence. Children and Education Services in Nottingham City Council provide a wide range of services to families, from integrated mental health services, a growing range of educational attendance and engagement in learning projects, and all the core statutory services. It’s a directorate with big ambition, clear commitment, and a track record of doing good things for families. The service has not been defined by the Council’s financial challenges and is getting ready for reform in children’s services by launching a comprehensive and expansive early help offer, building on the best of its existing model. Improvement work continues with the fulsome support of partners who are fully engaged in the vision for children and families. It’s no surprise then that colleagues within the directorate want to welcome a Corporate Director who recognises their quiet strengths, who sees where there is more to do and who can lead them firmly forward and beyond the next full Ofsted re-inspection. We’re looking for an experienced and effective leader of change with a track record of delivering high-performing services. Role Overview: As the Corporate Director for Children & Education Services, you will be at the helm of driving the strategic direction and transformative change across all services for children and young people. Your leadership will place the outcomes of our children at the heart of everything we do. You will be responsible for leading innovation, driving service improvements, and ensuring that all children – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – can flourish in a modern, high-performing service. This role demands a visible and accountable leader who will work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders, and the Corporate Leadership Team to instil a culture of continuous improvement, inclusivity, and high standards. You will manage large-scale transformation projects, balance efficiency challenges, and ensure the effective financial management of services. Above all, you will be the driving force in championing the Council’s vision, ensuring our children’s services meet the highest standards and deliver the best outcomes for the people of Nottingham. Key Responsibilities: Lead and inspire Children’s and Education Services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services that make a meaningful impact. Spearhead the transformation of services by introducing innovative strategies focused on early intervention, education excellence, and cohesive service delivery. Serve as the Statutory Director of Children’s Services, ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation and delivering on statutory requirements to safeguard children. Build and maintain robust partnerships with the council, schools, universities, community organisations, and statutory bodies, ensuring effective collaboration across all sectors. Oversee resources with an emphasis on financial sustainability, driving cost savings while ensuring a high level of governance and accountability. Lead key corporate projects and initiatives, using data-driven insights to steer service improvement and deliver sustainable, positive change for Nottingham’s citizens. Strategic Leadership Expectations: Inspire and motivate your teams by articulating a clear vision and strategic direction, fostering a sense of purpose and commitment. Cultivate a culture of innovation, agility, and high performance, adapting to emerging challenges and changing needs. Lead collaboration across departments and external partners to ensure that we deliver impactful outcomes for the people of Nottingham. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that our services are reflective of and meet the diverse needs of the city’s population. Provide visible, empowering leadership across all levels of the organization, supporting and developing teams to reach their full potential. About You: Professional Experience : Extensive experience in a senior leadership role within children's services, including a proven track record in transforming and improving services. This includes experience in statutory roles such as the Statutory Director of Children's Services (DCS). Knowledge of Legislation : The postholder needs to have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and other relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks governing children’s services. Leadership Expertise : The role requires someone with a high level of leadership capability, particularly in managing change, transformation, and service improvement in a public sector environment. Key Professional Responsibilities : The role expects the postholder to act as the Statutory Director of Children’s Services (DCS), which would typically require formal qualifications or professional accreditation in social work or a related field (e.g., social work degree, management qualification, or similar). Closing date: 24th January 2025 To apply: Send Expression of Interest and CV to Lucy Wesson, Senior HR Business Partner - Recruitment at lucy.wessonnottinghamcity.gov.uk