Executive Director of Children’s Services
Thank you for your interest in this vital and rewarding role.
Since I joined West Sussex County Council, almost a year ago, I’ve found all of the positive things that I’d been told about the energy, vision and public service values of this amazing organisation to be absolutely evident. The progress that has been made in recent years, and the ambition to do more, are striking. Like many other Councils however, what will distinguish us over the next few years is our ability to continue to achieve our priorities whilst responding to what feels like innumerable external challenges. With strong leadership and focus, I firmly believe we are extremely well placed to do exactly that.
Amongst the notable recent achievements at West Sussex is the very significant improvement in Children’s Services, and continuing this trajectory is one of my personal – and our organisational – priorities for the coming years. The improvement to date feels embedded and real, and I have been struck by the clear-eyed support for this ambition from elected members. The Leader of the Council formerly held the Children’s portfolio, and it is now led by a highly respected and passionate portfolio holder in Cllr Jacquie Russell. Effective children’s services are essential if we’re to be an effective organisation, and I truly believe that everyone in the council is excited by giving children the best start in life, and putting Children First.
Our foundations are well set, but we need the leadership to build on that and help take us to the next level. It’s about embedding great practice, investing in early help, and building a better and financially sustainable service that will bear fruit over the medium term. I’ve been privileged to be part of senior leadership teams in three councils where Children’s Services achieved significant improvements in performance (Bexley, Kingston and Surrey); and while of course every place has specific challenges, they all shared a clear philosophy of sound, sustainable improvement, led by talented DCS’s, and supported by a commitment from the whole council.
My commitment to you is that we will all continue supporting you and your team, as you lead us on the next phase of this journey towards excellence. I look forward to meeting you, and to getting underway.
Leigh Whitehouse, Chief Executive
West Sussex County Council
Join us – and lead the next chapter of our transformation.
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 new Executive Director of Children’s Services to 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.
Closing date: Thursday 3rd July at 2:00pm
Key Contacts
For a confidential discussion about either of these roles, please contact the following consultants at our recruitment partner, Tile Hill, who will be happy to answer any questions that are not covered here:
Anita Denton, Senior Consultant
07725 554802
anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk
Helen Alwell, Senior Consultant
07931 543313
helen.alwell@tile-hill.co.uk