Interim Director/Head of Children's Services

Interim Director / Head of Children’s Services (Confidential)

North of England - Interim / Fixed-Term (3–6 months)

Competitive Day Rate / Salary – Market Aligned

We are seeking an experienced Interim Director / Head of Children’s Services to provide senior leadership and operational oversight across a portfolio of children’s residential services in the North of England. The role will suit a seasoned leader who can step in quickly, provide stability, and ensure strong regulatory, safeguarding and operational performance.

The Role

Reporting at executive level, you will:

• Act as Responsible Individual (Ofsted) for children’s homes within the region
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple services
• Maintain oversight of safeguarding, quality, and regulatory compliance
• Support and challenge Registered Managers and senior leaders to deliver consistently high standards
• Ensure services are inspection‑ready, embedding learning from Regulation 44/45 and Ofsted feedback
• Oversee workforce leadership, safer recruitment, supervision and performance management
• Provide financial and commercial oversight, supporting occupancy, placement stability and service sustainability
• Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners and external stakeholders
• Contribute to service development and improvement activity during the transition period

About You

You will be an established senior leader in children’s residential services, with:

• Significant experience in a regional / multi‑site children’s services leadership role
• Proven experience acting as, or supporting, a Responsible Individual (Ofsted)
• Strong working knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
• A confident, credible leadership style with the ability to influence at senior and board level
• Strong safeguarding, quality assurance and risk management expertise
• Sound financial and commercial awareness
• Availability to start at short notice and commit to a 3–6 month interim assignment
• Willingness to travel across the region (including occasional overnight stays)
• Experience across both children’s and adult services, service growth, or working closely with commissioners would be advantageous.

What’s on Offer

• Interim / fixed‑term contract (3–6 months, with potential flexibility)
• Competitive day rate or salary, aligned to senior interim market benchmarks
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact during a critical transition phase

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