Head of Service Roles x 5:
- Head of Corporate Parenting
- Head of Quality Assurance & Practice Development
- Head of Locality (SEND Lead)
- Head of Locality (Social Care Lead)
- Head of Locality (Early Help & Communities lead)
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Children's Services
We are delighted to be recruiting to several Head of Service opportunities within our Children's Services leadership team.
These roles have been created following a comprehensive review of our services and progression of our existing members of the team. The new service design will ensure we are well placed to deliver the ambitions of the Families First reforms, deliver quality services for children with SEND, and provide the very best support for children, young people and families across our communities.
This is a unique opportunity to join us at a time of significant innovation. We are reshaping services around the needs of children and families, strengthening our locality approach, and creating the conditions for children and young people to thrive. We are looking for ambitious, values-driven leaders who can help shape that future, working collaboratively with partners, communities and our workforce to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.
As a leadership team, we are passionate about creating an environment where people feel they can bring their whole selves to work, where different perspectives are valued, and where everyone has a genuine sense of belonging. We know that the best services are built by teams that embrace diversity of thought, challenge each other constructively and remain focused on making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.
We are recruiting to the following roles:
- Head of Corporate Parenting
Leading services for Children We Care For and Care Experienced Young People, this role will provide strategic leadership across our corporate parenting responsibilities. You will champion the voices and experiences of children and young people, ensuring they receive the care, support, stability and opportunities they need to thrive, achieve and successfully transition into adulthood.
- Head of Quality Assurance and Practice Development
This role will lead our quality assurance, learning and improvement arrangements, including the Principal Social Worker function. You will drive a culture of continuous learning, reflection and innovation, ensuring that practice is informed by evidence, focused on impact and supports the highest standards across Children's Services.
- Head of Locality Services – SEND
This role will lead locality-based services with strategic responsibility for SEND. Working closely with schools, settings and partners, you will champion inclusive practice, improve educational outcomes and help shape our response to the opportunities presented by SEND reform.
- Head of Locality Services – Social Care
This role will lead locality-based social care services and provide strategic oversight for children's social care practice. You will play a critical role in ensuring children receive high-quality, relationship-based support, protection and intervention, underpinned by strong practice leadership and a commitment to excellent outcomes.
- Head of Locality Services – Early Help and Communities
This role will lead locality-based service delivery while providing strategic leadership for our Early Help offer. Working with partners and communities, you will drive our ambition to provide the right support at the right time, helping families build resilience and preventing needs from escalating.
We are looking for leaders who are compassionate, ambitious and collaborative; who can inspire confidence and lead through change; and who are committed to continuous improvement and excellent practice. Above all, we want people who are motivated by improving the lives and life chances of children and young people.
The successful candidates will join a supportive, ambitious and forward-thinking leadership team committed to learning, innovation and delivering outstanding services. Together, we are building a culture that values strong relationships, professional curiosity, shared accountability and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
If you are looking for a leadership role where you can make a meaningful impact, influence the future direction of Children's Services and support a talented and committed workforce, we would encourage you to take a closer look at these opportunities.
We would particularly welcome applications from people who share our commitment to inclusion, curiosity and compassionate leadership, and who are excited by the opportunity to help us build services that children, young people and families deserve.
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
These roles fall into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
- 3 days in the office
- Work both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
- Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.
About You
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about children, and who possesses the skills and experience outlined in the attached job descriptions.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- Local Government Pension
- Opportunities for professional development
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the roles, please contact Ben Short, Assistant Director, Children’s Services at [email protected]. Anthony Webster, Assistant Director, Children's Services at [email protected]
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
Interview Date: Please hold these potential interview dates: 16, 17, 21 September 2026
Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.
