We are focusing on prevention, reducing the number of those that come into contact with statutory services, and achieving permanency and stability for those that need our support. Our new Assistant Director of Safeguarding and Early Help will be central to securing opportunities for children and family services, ensuring partnerships operate effectively and children and young people are kept safe. This role will be key to delivering our renewed focus on prevention and early intervention, and where possible keeping children out of statutory intervention, but where we must intervene, ensuring decision making is effective and prompt, and that the most vulnerable are safeguarded. 

We are looking for someone with a strong background in children’s social care, with experience of early help, the front door, assessment, child protection and managing the welfare and safety of all children. Someone who can assure the effective strategic and operational delivery of a range of services that protect the most vulnerable in our city. Someone who is able to develop joint approaches to local service planning, working closely with partners and external agencies to develop effective joint approaches to local services, including the justice system. You will champion best practice through professional leadership and the adoption of a robust operating model that places prevention and early intervention at the centre. We are committed to delivering our ambitious programme for transforming and improving the aspirations and opportunities for the residents of Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 

As the Assistant Director of Safeguarding and Early Help, you will implement the right systems, policies and procedures that secure a high standard of probity, regularity and control at all times, including information governance. Preparing the council and directorate for inspection, you will equip colleagues and Members to engage with external scrutiny with an understanding of the value of robust scrutiny.. 

Finally, as a senior officer, you will provide confident, visible, strategic and values-led leadership and direction to develop and maintain appropriate relationships with diverse stakeholders including; elected members, council officers, local communities, businesses, Government departments, and other external agencies in order to maximise capacity and pool resources wherever possible. You will be an ambassador for the council, promoting our image as a city, supporting the formation of strategic alliances and developing effective working relationships on a local, regional and national basis, including the local voluntary and community sector, social enterprises, the private sector. 

Are you up for the challenge? 

If you are keen to explore how you could make a difference, we encourage you to speak to our partners at GatenbySanderson, Philip Emms (07590 225472) or Alex Hayes (07586 715 843. Or visit our microsite: teamstoke.com 

Closing date: Friday 28th June