Executive Director

Executive Director – Children, Young People and Partnerships

Executive Director of Children, Young People and Partnerships at Midlothian Council – a senior leadership role within the People and Partnerships Directorate responsible for improving outcomes for children and young people across Midlothian.

Location: Dalkeith and throughout Midlothian.
Grade: Chief Officer.
Contract: Permanent (36 hours per week, 52 weeks per year).
Salary: £125,364 per annum.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Candidates must be barred from working with children and required to obtain PVG Scheme membership before commencing employment:

• Apply for a PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children; join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council. The cost will be met by you.
• Provide evidence of a valid PVG certificate, which is available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. Follow the Disclosure Scotland process available at

In addition to PVG requirements, key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage planned and future transformative learning estate projects.
• Be the strategic lead for the delivery of the Local Child Poverty Action Plan in partnership with key council services and external partners.
• Lead on increasing attainment and achievement for all Midlothian learners.
• Implement the world-class education strategy designed to create excellence and equity for children and young people.
• Deliver inclusive services for children and young people across Midlothian, working with the Chief Officer Children Services, Partnerships and Communities and the Education Chief Operating Officer.

We are ambitious for our children and young people, and you will lead the ongoing implementation of our world‑class education strategy which is designed to create excellence and equity.

Position title:

Executive Director – Children, Young People and Partnerships. The role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Minimum experience:

• Senior level leadership in child and young people services or related education and partnership work.
• Proven track record of sustained success, delivering substantial transformational change programmes.
• Experience in strategic planning, partnership development and educational programme implementation.

Applicants must have the corporate qualification for the role and meet all statutory requirements (PVG, etc.).

If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, email the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.

Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation. For some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool.

If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or are a care‑experienced young person who has previously been a looked‑after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.

Applications must be received by 15th December 2025. Assessment Centre – 15th January 2026. Final Interview – 5th February 2026.