Head of Children in Care LC & DCAYPT

Help us build on excellence and shape the future for our most vulnerable children and young people.

Walsall Children's Services is seeking an inspirational and ambitious leader to join us as Head of Service - Children in Our Care, Care Leavers and Disabled Children & Young People's Team (DCAYPT) -

Salary Range: £84,191 - £95,535

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead services that make a profound difference to the lives of children and young people. We are proud of the progress we have made, and the strong outcomes achieved for our Children in Our Care. We are looking for a leader who can build on these achievements, drive continuous improvement, and ensure that every child in our care has the stability, support and opportunities they need to thrive.

You will be passionate about improving the lives of care-experienced young people and committed to ensuring that care leavers receive the support, ambition and opportunities they deserve as they move towards adulthood and independence. You will champion their voice, advocate for their aspirations and work with partners to ensure they remain at the heart of service development and delivery.

This role also provides a unique opportunity to lead and shape the next phase of our transformation journey for disabled children and young people. Working collaboratively with partners, families and communities, you will drive innovation and service improvement to ensure children and young people with disabilities receive the right support at the right time and achieve the very best outcomes.

As a member of the Children's Social Care leadership team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Children in Our Care, Leaving Care and Disabled Children's Services. You will inspire high-performing teams, strengthen partnership working and ensure the delivery of excellent practice, outstanding support and positive outcomes for children, young people and families.

• Has a passion for improving outcomes for Children in Our Care and Care Leavers.
• Experience in Court Proceedings.
• Can demonstrate strong and effective leadership within children's social care services.
• Is committed to putting the voice of children and young people at the centre of decision‑making.
• Has the vision and drive to lead transformation and service improvement.
• Can build strong relationships with partners, families and communities.
• Is committed to achieving excellence and maintaining high standards of practice.
• Can inspire, motivate and develop others through periods of change and innovation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an aspiring or experienced senior leader to make a lasting impact, build on strong foundations and help shape the future of services for some of Walsall's most vulnerable children and young people.

Note:

Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time that they have lived, studied or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC) relating to anytime they were overseas.

Closing Date: 22nd October 2026

Interviews will be held on the 9 th and 10 th November 2026.

Join us in continuing to deliver outstanding support, ambitious outcomes and a brighter future for children and young people across Walsall.

Legislation imposes restrictions on political activity for certain local government employees. This position is designated as a politically restricted (sensitive) post as set out in Part 1 the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990 (LGO(PR)
R 1990) [SI 851] and S.30 of the Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

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