About Us
At North Somerset Council, we are committed to delivering exceptional services that make a tangible difference in the lives of our residents. Guided by our vision for a fairer, greener, and more inclusive community, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
We are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity within our Children’s Services leadership team for an experienced and passionate Head of Corporate Parenting. This pivotal role offers the chance to lead and inspire stronger practice for our cared for and care-experienced children and young people. You will also play a key role in enhancing our in-house fostering and kinship services, ensuring they are robust, responsive, and of the highest quality.
At North Somerset Council, we are dedicated to providing consistent, high-quality support for children and families. If you bring expertise in these areas and a strong commitment to delivering excellence and driving improvements, we would be delighted to hear from you. Join us and be a part of shaping brighter futures for our community.
The Role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head of Corporate Parenting to join our Senior Leadership Team within Children’s Services. This pivotal role will drive the delivery of high-quality, safe, and cost-effective services that support children in our care, care leavers, and their families. You will also lead the strategic development of placement sufficiency, ensuring children and young people have access to the right care and support to thrive.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Director for Children’s Services, you will be the strategic lead for all Corporate Parenting services, shaping practice and policy to ensure the statutory duties and principles of social work and fostering are fully embedded in everyday practice. Your leadership will be critical in ensuring high standards of care, supporting continuous improvement, and fostering collaboration with internal and external partners.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership - Lead Corporate Parenting services, ensuring the seven principles of corporate parenting are embedded in practice and enabling children and young people to thrive.
Provide expert advice and services to support operational delivery and strategic planning.
Practice Improvement - Collaborate with the Principal Social Worker to develop and maintain high practice standards across the service, driving improvements to deliver outstanding outcomes for children, care leavers, foster families, and kinship carers.
Placement Sufficiency
Oversee and enhance placement sufficiency strategies to meet the needs of children and young people effectively, supporting in-house fostering and kinship carers.
Partnership Working - Build and strengthen partnerships across the council and with external agencies, ensuring North Somerset is at the forefront of best practice.
Culture and Leadership
Act as a role model, embedding a culture that reflects our values and ensures children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.
Champion innovation and inclusivity, inspiring your team to deliver exceptional services.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
About You
You will have a proven track record of leading corporate parenting or related services, with a deep understanding of the statutory duties and principles that underpin outstanding care for children and care leavers. Your ability to foster collaboration, inspire teams, and deliver impactful change will set you apart.
Essential Criteria:
BA in Social Work or Diploma in Social Work, CQSW or CSS, or other professional social work qualification recognised by Social Work England.
Current registration with Social Work England. Evidence of continuing professional development in the field of child & family social work.
Significant post qualification work experience at a senior level.
Highly developed specialist knowledge and extensive experience of direct work in child protection and leadership of staff in childcare setting involving risk management and decision making.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
Desirable Criteria:
Post Qualifying Child Care Award, Practice Briefing Award, CMS/DMS or equivalent management Qualification, or MBA.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people in North Somerset. If you are ready to lead with ambition and compassion, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please apply via our website by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Jane Anstis, Assistant Director, Children’s Family Support & Safeguarding at jane.anstis@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01275 884392.
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
Interview Date: Monday 17 February 2025.
We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .