Corporate Director of Children’s Services
Are you ready to lead improvement, drive reform and make a lasting difference?
As Trafford’s next Director of Children’s Services, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of services for children, young people and families across our borough and leave a lasting legacy.
We are seeking an exceptional leader with the vision, determination and credibility to lead Children’s Services through the next phase of our improvement journey. Following our recent Ofsted inspection, we have been clear about the challenges we face and equally clear about our commitment to addressing them. Improvement activity is already underway, and we are determined to deliver the high-quality services that Trafford’s children, young people and families deserve.
This role offers a rare opportunity to lead meaningful and lasting change. As well as driving improvement, you will play a key role in leading Trafford’s implementation of the significant national reforms transforming children’s services, including Family Help, SEND and inclusion reforms, helping to position the borough at the forefront of this evolving agenda.
You will not be starting from scratch. Alongside the areas requiring improvement, Ofsted identified examples of strong practice and recognised the commitment and dedication of our workforce. You will inherit services with real strengths, talented and passionate colleagues and a workforce determined to improve outcomes for children and families.
You will also be joining an organisation that is fully committed to improvement and determined to deliver lasting change. Delivering the best start in life for children and young people is one of our core corporate priorities and there is strong political, corporate and partner support for the journey ahead. Working as a key member of the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team and alongside our wider partnership, you will help shape a clear and ambitious vision for children and young people in Trafford.
Our EPIC values underpin everything we do. We empower our people, put people at the centre of decision-making, value inclusion and work collaboratively with colleagues, communities and partners. These values will be central to the leadership approach we expect from our next Director.
Trafford is an ambitious borough with much to be proud of. Our schools are among the highest performing in the country, our partnerships are strong and we benefit from excellent relationships across health, education, policing and the voluntary sector. These foundations provide an important platform on which to build and improve.
Most importantly, behind every service, every plan and every decision are children, young people and families who rely on us to make a difference. This role provides a unique opportunity to influence lives, improve outcomes and ensure every child in Trafford has the opportunity to thrive.
It will be challenging. It will be demanding. But it will also be one of the most rewarding leadership opportunities in local government.
I look forward to hearing from candidates who share our ambition and wish you every success with your application.
Sara Todd
Chief Executive, Trafford Council