Executive Director Children Young People

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Lewisham’s Children’s Services have undergone significant transformation — from a double ‘Requires Improvement’ judgement to a service praised for its care, compassion, and ability to meet the needs of young people. This improvement was driven by strategic investment, a relentless focus on quality, and the leadership of a DCS who gave confidence to the system and inspired change.

But Lewisham is not standing still. As one of ten Families First for Children Pathfinder authorities, it is helping to shape national reform. The redesign of Family Help and Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams, the School Cluster model, and the expansion of Family Hubs are already delivering impact. Lewisham is at the front edge of the curve — and intends to stay there.

The next phase is about sustainability and innovation. The council is looking for a leader who can maintain high standards and who can embed transformation through strong data, insight, and evidence-based decision-making. SEND remains a key challenge, particularly around the high needs block and system-wide collaboration with health partners amid ICB restructuring. You’ll need to bring grip, vision, and the ability to lead confidently in a complex and evolving landscape.

What’S The Role?

Lewisham Council is seeking a bold, compassionate, and visionary leader to become our next Executive Director of Children & Families. This is a rare opportunity to lead a service that has not only achieved a ‘Good’ rating across all Ofsted domains, but is now nationally recognised for its innovation, relational practice, and commitment to equity.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

Whether your background is in social care or education, we are looking for an exceptional leader who: can demonstrate senior systems leadership experience, can communicate purpose with clarity, and who has the ability to build on our already strong partnerships, in a dynamic and changing environment.

You’ll be part of a strong corporate team and work with a Mayor and elected members who are all deeply motivated to secure the best outcomes for the children, young people, and families within the borough.

This is not a role for someone looking to maintain the status quo. It’s for a leader who wants to shape a legacy, drive innovation, and make a lasting difference in the lives of Lewisham’s children and families.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London,SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Do Not apply for this role via this website

To apply visit https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe126604

For further details, please contact our retained partners at GatenbySanderson, Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) or Alex Hayes (alex.hayes@gatenbysanderson.com).

Special Conditions

• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£166,755 to £173,133 per annum (DIR 1)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

• The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
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