Head of Service - Integrated Children's Pathways & Support

Are you an ambitious and values-driven leader who believes every child deserves the best possible start in life?

Do you have the vision, influence and determination to drive improvement, inspire others and build strong partnerships that deliver lasting change for children and families?

If so, Reading is looking for an exceptional Head of Service for Integrated Children's Pathways to join our leadership team and help shape the future of children's services.

This is a unique opportunity to lead services at the very front door of children's social care, ensuring children and families receive the right support, at the right time, from the right professionals. You will be at the heart of our ambition to create a responsive, connected and child-centred system that improves outcomes and strengthens families.

• Children's Single Point of Access (CSPOA)
• Children with Disabilities Service
• Integrated Assessment Service

Leading two Service Managers and their teams, you will bring people together around a shared vision, creating a culture where children are at the centre of everything we do and where staff feel empowered, valued and inspired to deliver their very best.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We particularly encourage applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management within Children’s Services as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

This role is about more than managing services. It is about leading transformation, influencing across organisational boundaries and creating meaningful partnerships that make a difference.

You will work closely with senior leaders, health partners, schools, police, voluntary sector organisations and community services to ensure children and families experience seamless support and positive outcomes.

• Inspire and motivate others through visible, compassionate leadership.
• Build trusted relationships and influence partners across the system.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement.
• Create an environment where staff can thrive, develop and achieve their full potential.
• Drive high-quality practice and strong performance whilst maintaining a relentless focus on children's experiences and outcomes.

You are an accomplished social care leader with a track record of delivering excellent services and leading through change.

You understand the complexity of partnership working and have the credibility, emotional intelligence and strategic thinking skills to bring people together behind a common purpose.

• A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• An experienced senior leader with substantial knowledge of children's social care.
• Passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Skilled in influencing, negotiating and building effective relationships across agencies.
• Committed to developing others and creating a positive, high-performing culture.
• Resilient, ambitious and focused on delivering meaningful and sustainable improvement.

• Provide strategic leadership across the Children's Single Point of Access, Children with Disabilities and Integrated Assessment Services.
• Lead and support two Service Managers, fostering excellence, accountability and professional development.
• Ensure…