Executive Director – Children and Families

Role Overview

Few leadership roles offer such remarkable potential to improve the life‑chances of hundreds of thousands of children. It’s no exaggeration to say that this role is an opportunity to lead one of the most significant children’s and families portfolios in local government.

Why do we believe this? It’s down to the hard improvement work of the past decade, and the sustained performance of our highly effective and respected Children’s Trust (judged to be Good by Ofsted in 2023). This assurance of high‑quality delivery means that we now have the bandwidth to think strategically about the wider determinants of exceptional outcomes for young people.

Our elected members have a sophisticated grasp of the structural challenges facing young people, and they’re determined that Birmingham will set a benchmark for excellence.

And that’s where you come in. As statutory DCS, you’ll oversee Education, SEND, Safeguarding, Early Years, vulnerable children, school partnerships and strategic transformation, as well as being responsible for oversight and assurance of the Birmingham Children’s Trust. You’ll set high expectations for outcomes, and drive continued improvement and innovation.

Candidates need significant senior leadership experience, a comprehensive system‑level understanding of Children’s Services and Education, outstanding partnership skills and a proven record of transformational leadership. It’s a rare opportunity to join a dynamic and motivated senior team in an improving Directorate and council, with supportive partnerships and passionate staff. You’ll have everything you need to make the most of the boundless energy, potential and passion of the children in our young and diverse city.

• Company:
  Birmingham City Council
• Salary: £Highly Competitive
• Location:
  
  Birmingham, West Midlands
• Sector:
  Corporate Services
• Sector:
  Corporate Management Team
• Sector:
  Health and Social Care
• Job Role:
  
  Executive Director