Buckinghamshire is one of England's largest and most diverse unitary authorities, combining thriving market towns, rural communities and significant areas of growth and development. Home to more than half a million residents, we are a council with big ambitions for our residents, communities and workforce.
We are proud of our strong sense of place. Buckinghamshire offers an exceptional quality of life, excellent schools, a vibrant economy, outstanding countryside and strong transport links to London, Oxford, Milton Keynes and beyond. It is a place where people choose to live, work and raise families.
At Buckinghamshire Council, our ambition is simple: to improve the lives of our residents and create stronger, healthier and more prosperous communities. Children and young people are at the heart of that ambition.
Children's Services plays a critical role in shaping the future of Buckinghamshire. Working alongside schools, health partners, the voluntary sector, police and communities, we are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be safe, thrive and achieve their potential.
We know that the challenges facing children and families are becoming increasingly complex. That's why we are focused on delivering excellent services while continuing to innovate, improve and strengthen our partnerships across the county.
Buckinghamshire Council is entering an exciting new phase in its development. Under the leadership of our new Chief Executive, we are building on strong foundations while creating a culture that is increasingly focused on empowerment, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
We want talented leaders who are prepared to challenge convention, think creatively and work collaboratively to solve problems. We are creating an environment where decisions are taken at the right level, where people feel trusted to lead, and where innovation is encouraged and supported.
Our ambition is not simply to manage services well; it is to create the conditions for services, communities and people to flourish.
The Director of Children's Services is one of the most influential leadership roles in Buckinghamshire.
This is an opportunity to lead services that make a profound difference to the lives of children and families whilst helping to shape the future direction of one of the country's largest councils.
You will join a strong and supportive Corporate Leadership Team, benefit from a stable political environment, and work alongside committed partners who share a determination to achieve the very best outcomes for children and young people.
Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
We want Buckinghamshire to be a place where every child is safe, supported and able to thrive.
A place where children and young people receive the right help at the right time.
A place where families are empowered, communities are connected and services work together seamlessly around the needs of children.
A place where vulnerable children receive exceptional support, where educational achievement is championed and where every young person is given the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
We know there is more to do, and we are ambitious about what comes next. For the right leader, this is an opportunity to help shape that future.
If you’re passionate about making thousands of young lives better, please view the role profile below.
See below for the wide range of rewards and benefits you will be offered as an employee of Buckinghamshire Council.
Buckinghamshire Council's Chief Executive Zina Etheridge recently spoke to the MJ regarding this role - you can read the full article below.
"We're an ambitious place, and this is an ambitious role."
To apply for this job please click on the Apply button below and fill out the requested information. When prompted, please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words.
With your CV, please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages, and we will not contact referees without your permission.
Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.