Calderdale Children’s Services is recruiting a leader who will promote kindness, opportunity and the chance for every child to ‘live a larger life’. 

Calderdale is a great place to live and work and we have set an ambitious vision for 2034. Due to the retirement of our current Assistant Director there is an opportunity to join a children’s services that is creative, bespoke and rated Good by Ofsted. Children and families are helped from the earliest point, we have integrated services and strong partnerships. 

Our children are important to us, they have a voice and are making an impact locally and nationally. Our Corporate Parenting commitment means that workers know their children very well, build strong, trusting relationships with them and ensure that they see important people in their lives.  

You will be joining a talented team, leading a highly capable group of colleagues determined to do the best for children and young people in Calderdale. You will undertake your leadership role in a stable political environment, with political support and aspiration for our children to flourish. You will be responsible for six service managers delivering the Councils early help offer, youth justice and children’s social care services. The service is committed to systemic practice and you will also manage the Principal Social Worker. 

We are proud of our staff who go the extra mile and care passionately about the children and their work. You will work closely with our partners, can rely on strong political support, and with continuous improvement you will keep Calderdale as the best place for children to grow up. 

In Calderdale you will be supported to grow and develop as a senior leader and progress your career. We are in search of an experienced practice leader with the drive and ambition to deliver successful and sustainable services. Calderdale Council wants to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children. You will build on our commitment to improving outcomes, delivering quality care and good/outstanding services using strength-based approaches. 

Closing Date: Wednesday, 8th January 2025
Assessment Centre: Wednesday, 12th February 2025  
Final Interview: Thursday, 13th February 2025    

As part of our Vision (https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/) we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities.

On 30 January 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency in a bold move to step up its action to tackle climate change.

Calderdale Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and we are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive. We encourage applications from people who share our commitment to challenge inequality and promote diversity across Calderdale. We particularly welcome applications from communities that are currently under-represented in our organisation. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.