Havering is an outer London borough like no other. Sitting in Northeast London, we are the third largest London Borough geographically. We have one of the fastest growing, increasingly diverse child populations in the country, all of whom benefit from living in one of the greenest areas in London.

Children's Services in Havering are embarking on a journey of improvement following our recent Ofsted inspection. While the rating of 'Inadequate' presents challenges, it also marks an opportunity for positive change. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. As we address areas highlighted for improvement, including reducing social worker caseloads and increasing our management capacity, your dedication and expertise will be invaluable. With a supportive environment and a robust improvement plan in place, you will have the chance to contribute to our vision of supporting Havering’s children and families to lead happy, healthy lives, providing excellent services that are child-centred, collaborative, responsive, value-driven, and reflective.

Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting | Salary £103,378 - £112,543 including a £4,000 market supplement

At Havering, we're committed to providing the highest standards of support for children, parents, guardians, carers, and families. Our Starting Well Directorate plays a pivotal role in this mission, working  collaboratively with our partners to ensure compliance with statutory duties and promote the well-being of children in our community.

As the Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting, you will provide strategic leadership and management for statutory social care services including our, assessment service, children with disabilities service, safeguarding service, corporate parenting service (children in care teams, leaving care service and fostering), as well as the Regional Adoption Agency, ensuring strict compliance with safeguarding procedures and statutory guidance. You will champion the highest standards of professional practice, facilitating effective decision-making processes for children subject to child in need, child protection, child in care and pathway plans, and act as our Corporate Parenting lead those under the Council's care.

About you

We are looking for candidates with senior-level experience in Children’s Services, with a social work qualification and Social Work England registration.

You will have successfully worked in a politically sensitive environment and will understand how to provide clear advice and guidance, successfully delivering strategic projects.

You will be an excellent people manager with strong leadership skills and a track record of motivating teams and driving continuous improvement.

If you are a dedicated leader with a passion for safeguarding and improving the lives of children and families with have the drive to lead transformative change, join us in our mission to create a brighter future for children and families in Havering.

For a confidential conversation about your suitability or for further information about the role, please contact Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) or Louise Bickley (louise.bickley@gatenbysanderson.com) from our retained partner, GatenbySanderson.