Title

WORKFORCE

Director of Specialist Children's Services

We need a seasoned social work professional to put safeguarding high on the agenda.

Improving the life chances of vulnerable children and young people are of paramount importance to Kent County Council, the largest Local Authority in England. We have recently appointed a new Corporate Director of Families and Social Care and this is your chance to strengthen the Directorate's senior management team.

You will lead and commission all elements of children's social services planning operations, provision, and performance. Your focus will be on the evolution and promotion of initiatives and services relating to adoption, fostering, care leavers and unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC). You'll also be responsible for support for children with disabilities.

It's likely that you're a highly qualified social worker with a track record of achievement at a senior and strategic level, including leading safeguarding and looked-after children's services. Your wide-ranging experience of partnership workingwith other agencies will be matched by a flair for delivering change.

If you would like to be part of the team that is set to transform the education of children and young people in Kent please visit our website.

For an informal conversation about this opportunity with the Corporate Director, Andrew Ireland, please contact Lesley Standring on 01622 696083.

WORKFORCE

Children's services directors oppose under-16s social media ban

By Joe Lepper | 02 June 2026

The Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has said its members are against a complete social media ban for under-16s.

WORKFORCE

Moving away from care hierarchies to better support children and young people

By Dheeraj Chibber | 29 May 2026

Children and young people need a care system that is flexible enough to serve their needs and best interests as individuals says Dheeraj Chibber.

WORKFORCE

Bath and North East Somerset adds to leadership team

By Martin Ford | 27 May 2026

Two new executive directors have joined Bath and North East Somerset Council.

WORKFORCE

Children's services: Navigating the challenge of LGR

By Emmet Regan | 27 May 2026

Emmet Regan says that as the next stages of local government reorganisation get underway, the road ahead will not be easy. But with the right leadership, vi...