The Children’s Services team at West Sussex has undertaken a significant amount of work in the past five years to get ourselves back on track. We’re delighted with the results of our efforts: progress has been steady and consistent, with inspectors noting and praising sustained positive change in key areas. Strong processes and good practice are embedded and secure for children in care and care leavers, social worker recruitment, family safeguarding, and leadership. So this role is about consolidating, continuing and accelerating our direction of travel.

We have a very strong team and an excellent culture across the service, but that’s no accident – we are looking for candidates who profoundly understand the vital role of inspiring and engaging with staff, giving them the confidence and optimism that underpins high performance. Both the portfolio holder and CEO have been clear about their commitment to the service, and the new Director will be working with the grain of an organisation that really wants them to succeed.

Finances are as tight as anywhere else in the country, but probably no tighter – though there will continue to be budgetary pressures, the focus to date has been on investing to save rather than simply making in-year budget reductions, and we know that this is the key to smarter planning. However, the next phase of the journey will require real courage and innovation, particularly around high need placements. We know that we need to find a structural, system-level solution, rather than simply transactional; but we also know that it will need new thinking and strong partnerships to get us there. Those partners include schools, academies and trusts, health, police and more, and you’ll be able to realise real system benefits across the board.

From a candidate’s perspective, it’s a great time to join a strong and ambitious senior leadership team that’s evolving and developing at pace. West Sussex is a place on the up, and we are confident that over the next few years residents will begin to benefit from our long-term vision for the county. There’s a very supportive, mutually respectful culture in which both officers and members really thrive, and it’s a stunning place to live and work.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.