Job Title

Executive Director Childrens ServicesPlease double check you have the right level of experience and qualifications by reading the full overview of this opportunity below.London Borough of Redbridge CouncilSalary: CompetitiveHelp shape the future of Redbridges children, families, and communities.Redbridge is one of Londons most vibrant and diverse boroughs. With a rapidly growing population, award-winning schools, green open spaces, and strong transport links to Central London.Were looking for an outstanding strategic leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Executive Director Childrens Services, where you will also hold the statutory role of Director of Childrens Services (DCS). This is a pivotal position with a borough-wide impact: leading our work to give every child the best possible start in life, protect our most vulnerable young residents, and ensure our education, early help, SEND, and social care services are cohesive, ambitious, and focused on outcomes.The RoleYou will lead a broad portfolio that includes:Childrens Social Care and Safeguarding Early Help and Family Support Youth Justice and Youth Services Education Services, including SEND Youll champion a whole-system approach that delivers timely support and sustainable change balancing strong statutory practice with prevention and inclusion. This is an opportunity to transform lives through co-produced, place-based, and trauma-informed practice. Youll work closely with schools, academies, health partners, and the voluntary and community sector to create services that are joined-up, equitable, and forward-thinking.This is also a strategic corporate leadership role. As a member of our Executive Leadership Team, youll work across the council to shape corporate strategy, drive transformation, and support a high-performance, collaborative culture built on our values of Collaboration, Honesty, Excellence, and Fairness.About youWere seeking an exceptional leader with deep expertise in childrens services, ideally gained at Director or Assistant Director level in a complex local authority. Youll bring a strong track record of improvement and innovation, backed by a clear understanding of national policy and inspection frameworks (including Ofsted and CQC). More than this, we want someone who:Is values-driven and passionate about achieving better outcomes for children and families. Builds strong, trusting relationships with diverse communities, elected members, and partners. Thrives in complex systems and leads with courage, clarity, and compassion. Understands how to lead culture change, deliver high-quality services, and foster staff development. You will be politically astute and confident in providing clear strategic advice to elected Members and colleagues, helping to shape the wider direction of the Council. Your leadership will embed a performance culture and ensure Redbridge continues to deliver safe, effective, and empowering services for its residents.Join us and be part of a leadership team that is passionate about delivering for Redbridges communities.To find out more or apply, visit https://redbridgenextlevel.co.uk/welcome/For a confidential discussion, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or email: carol.coyle@penna.comAmin Aziz on 07709 514141 or email: amin.aziz@penna.com#J-18808-Ljbffr