Director of Children's Services

West Sussex is a county of contrast and opportunity. From our vibrant coastal towns to our rural heartlands, we are proud of our communities and ambitious for our children.

Over the past six years, West Sussex's Children's Services have undergone a remarkable transformation. From a challenging Ofsted rating in 2019, we've delivered sustained, positive change across the board-praised by inspectors and underpinned by strong leadership, embedded practice, and a culture of care and ambition.

Now, we're looking for a newDirector of Children's Servicesto consolidate, continue and accelerate that progress. This is a pivotal moment. You will provide strategic and professional leadership across all children's services, including social care, safeguarding, SEND, education, and early help. You'll work closely with our Executive Leadership Team, elected members, schools, and partners to deliver better outcomes for children and families across the county.

This is a role for a leader who understands that culture is everything. We've built a strong, stable team and a service where staff feel supported, inspired, and empowered to deliver their best. You'll need to bring that same energy-engaging with people, building trust, and giving teams the confidence to thrive to deliver better outcomes for children and families across the county.

You'll be joining a council that's fully behind you. You'll be supported by a strong team, a committed Chief Executive, and a political leadership that is passionate about children's services and you'll be working with the grain of an organisation that wants you to succeed. Financial pressures are real, but we've focused on investing to save, not cutting to cope. The next phase will demand courage and creativity-particularly around high-need placements and system-wide solutions.

You'll need to be a strategic thinker, a skilled collaborator, and a visible leader. You'll work across the system-with schools, trusts, health, police, and the voluntary sector-to deliver joined-up services that make a real difference. And you'll be part of a senior leadership team that's evolving and ambitious, in a council that's outward-looking and on the rise.

We're especially keen to hear from candidates who bring diverse perspectives and lived experience, and who can help us build a leadership team that reflects the communities we serve.

This is more than a job. It's a chance to make a lasting difference.

For further information or to apply, please visit: or contact our recruitment partners at Tile Hill; Helen Alwell or Anita Denton

Closing date: Thursday 3rd July at 2:00pm

To apply

To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements.Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only.If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact .
Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your current salary and notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email.