Head of Children's Social Care

Durham County Council is seeking an exceptional seniorleader to drive forward our ambitious and inclusive visionfor children, young people and families across the county.

As our Head of Children's Social Care, you will play a pivotalrole in leading and shaping a broad range of statutory andspecialist services, including assessment and safeguarding,early help, looked after children, permanence, fostering,adoption, residential care and our care leaver offer. You willlead talented teams, strengthen key partnerships, andensure high quality, responsive and innovative practice.

This is a role with real impact and influence. You will helpembed national reforms, maintain effective safeguardingarrangements, and ensure that regulated services continueto deliver to the highest standards - building on our recentOfsted Outstanding judgement.

If you are an inspiring, values driven leader with a strongtrack record in children's social care, we would be delightedto hear from you.

To find out more, please contact our retained consultants atPenna: Nick Raper on , or Kelly Ridley on for a confidential conversation.

Closing date Sunday 15th March 2026 (midnight).

To apply please click theApply Nowlink below.