Welcome to the City of Doncaster Council
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in joining us at the City of Doncaster Council. As Director of Children’s Services, I am excited to share two pivotal leadership opportunities within our Children, Young People and Families Directorate. One of our colleagues is taking well-earned retirement and I am very pleased for another who will be taking up a Director of Children’s Services post in 2026. So, we are now looking for a new Service Director - Children’s Social Care and a Service Director - Education & Skills.
Doncaster is a city with ambition, resilience, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of our children, young people, and families. We are proud of our vibrant communities, our strong partnerships, and our unwavering focus on inclusion and opportunity for all. Our vision is clear: to ensure every child and young person in Doncaster thrives and is safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
Why Doncaster?
We are a Mayoral authority with a bold agenda for transformation and growth. Our £5 billion economy is expanding, with record numbers of residents in employment and new opportunities emerging across the city. We are committed to inclusive growth, ensuring that every resident, regardless of background, can benefit from Doncaster’s progress. Our education and skills strategy is closely aligned with our economic ambitions, creating pathways for all ages and abilities to succeed. We will foster a vibrant, dynamic environment that benefits residents economically, socially, creatively, and personally, creating a thriving community for all.
Our approach is rooted in collaboration. We work closely with schools, colleges, health partners, the voluntary sector, and our communities to deliver joined-up services that make a real difference. We are proud of our track record in innovation, from specialist education provision to our international partnerships, such as the Remake Learning project with Pittsburgh, which brings new opportunities for our children and young people. 94 % of our schools are graded as good or better.
Children services are on an improvement trajectory with our most recent OFSTED ILACS inspection (Jan 2025) graded as ‘Good’ overall. Inspectors note:
Leaders and managers at all levels are visible and approachable. Leaders understand the complex realities of frontline practice. They have prioritised improvement in management oversight and regular supervision, which has made some impact on the management oversight and direction of some children’s planning.
Children’s services in Doncaster have significantly improved since the last inspection. Leaders in children’s services, the council and partners have worked in partnership to make the wide-reaching changes that were needed. The scale of improvements in light of the starting point is impressive. There remain pockets of practice which require further work, which is recognised by leaders.
We are proud of how we care for children, young people, families and our staff. In recent staff surveys it is clear that we live our values of commitment to place, inclusive, responsible, and supportive.
About the Roles
As Service Director - Children’s Social Care, you will provide strategic leadership for all aspects of children’s social care, including targeted early help, safeguarding, children in care and care leavers. You will champion high standards, drive continuous improvement, and ensure that the voice of children, young people, and families is at the heart of everything we do. You will lead a talented and committed workforce, fostering a culture of learning, ambition, and pride. Your leadership will be crucial in shaping our services, building strong partnerships, and delivering the best possible outcomes for those who need us most.
As Service Director - Education & Skills, you will convene and inspire Doncaster’s education system, working with schools, colleges, and partners to promote inclusive education and raise standards for all. You will lead on delivering our education and skills strategy, ensuring that every learner has access to the right support at the right time, whether into education, training, or employment. You will play a key role in systems change, supporting school improvement, and designing an education system that works for everyone. Your strategic oversight will help us deliver our ambitious ‘Pathways to Work’ programme and ensure that Doncaster’s residents are equipped for the opportunities of today and tomorrow.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking senior leaders with a passion for making a difference, a track record of delivering impact through collaboration, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in children’s services and education. You will be innovative, values-driven, and committed to inclusion and excellence. You will bring strategic vision, strong partnership skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
Why Join Us?
At Doncaster, you will find a supportive, collegiate leadership team and a culture that values initiative, innovation, and continuous improvement. You will have the opportunity to shape services at a city-wide level, work with dedicated professionals, and make a lasting impact on the lives of children, young people, and families. We recognise the challenges ahead, but we are confident in our direction and proud of our progress. If you share our ambition and are ready to lead with purpose and passion, we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for considering Doncaster as the next step in your career. Together, we can build a future where every child and young person can thrive.
With best wishes,
City of Doncaster Council
