Permanent

Full Time 37 hours per week

Are you ready to lead transformational change at scale and shape the future of Children’s Social Care in Devon?

We are seeking an exceptional leader to drive one of the most significant periods of change in Children's Social Care, delivering transformational reform across Devon County Council.

As Assistant Director – Children’s Social Care Reform, you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering the national Families First reforms and wider Children’s Social Care transformation agenda across Devon.

Working directly with the Director of Children’s Social Care, you will provide strategic leadership for whole-system transformation, ensuring that children, young people and families experience high-quality, joined-up support that improves outcomes whilst delivering sustainable services.

This is a high-profile leadership role where you will positively influence policy, shape practice and drive lasting change across the Council and partner organisations.

What you'll be doing

As a key member of the Children’s Social Care Senior Leadership Team, you will:

• Take a lead on the delivery of the Families First Reforms Programme and wider Children’s Social Care reform agenda.
• Drive partnership working across health, police, education and the voluntary sector to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership and strengthen safeguarding practice across Devon.
• Lead organisational and workforce transformation, ensuring reform and operational priorities remain aligned.
• Champion continuous improvement through evidence-informed practice, inspection learning and best practice.
• Support major change programmes, including SEND reforms, Best Start in Life and Local Government Review.
• Represent Devon County Council at senior forums and deputise for the Director of Children’s Social Care when required.

Why This Role Matters

Children’s Social Care in Devon is operating within a period of significant national change, increasing demand and heightened scrutiny. The role of Assistant Director – Children’s Social Care Reform offers a unique opportunity to lead development and transformational change at scale. In collaboration with political leaders, government departments, regulators and strategic partners you will positively influence services across a large and diverse county.

You will be central to preparing Devon for future inspection and assurance frameworks, embedding sustainable change and ensuring children and families receive the right support at the right time.

What we're looking for

We are seeking an experienced strategic leader who can inspire confidence, build effective partnerships and deliver complex change programmes.

You will bring:

• A recognised Social Work qualification and degree-level professional qualification (or equivalent).
• Substantial senior leadership experience within Children’s Social Care.
• Proven success at Assistant Director, Deputy Director or equivalent level within complex, politically led organisations.
• A strong track record of leading large-scale transformation and service improvement programmes.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding, quality assurance, Children’s Social Care legislation and national policy.
• Experience of leading services through inspection, intervention or major improvement journeys.
• Skilled in balancing ambitious outcomes with financial sustainability and effective risk management

Join us and help shape the next chapter of Children's Social Care.

This role attracts an additional payment of £12,767 on top of the annual salary of £97,941.00 p.a.

Ready to Make a Real Difference?

If you are an experienced senior leader with the vision, credibility and drive to lead complex reform at scale, we'd love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Devon.

If you require further information or have any questions regarding this role, please contact the Children's Social Care Recruitment Team (childsc.recruitmentchildrenssocialwork-mailbox@devon.gov.uk).

Closing Date: 20 September 2026
Interview Date: 5 October 2026

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click ‘Apply Now’ to view the job description and person specification.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.

REQ010324 - Children's Social Care

Interview Date: 5 October 2026

Pay: £97,941.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person