Leadership Opportunities in Children’s Services

“At Nottingham City Council, we’re reshaping how we support children, young people, and families - placing integration, early help, inclusion, and relational practice at the heart of everything we do. As one of the senior leaders in the Children’s and Education Directorate, you’ll be joining a new leadership team that is bold, values‑driven, and deeply committed to improving outcomes for every child and every family.

Our culture is one of collaboration, reflection, and ambition. We are striving to work across boundaries - between education, health, social care, and communities - to build a system that wraps around children and families, not the other way around. We champion a working environment where diversity is valued, difference is welcomed, and all colleagues feel they belong. You’ll be part of a team that challenges constructively, supports generously, and leads with integrity.

What makes us different? We’re not just delivering services - we’re redesigning them with children and families. We’re investing in our workforce, listening to lived experience, and using data and insight to drive change.

We are intentional about surfacing, hearing, and acting on voices that are too often under‑represented, ensuring equity is threaded through our decisions and practice.

And we’re doing it all with a clear purpose: to give every child in Nottingham City the best possible start in life - especially the most vulnerable - by building a system where every infant, child and young person is seen, heard and supported to thrive. Inclusion is not an add‑on for us; it is a core principle that shapes the way we design, deliver, and improve services.

Our co‑designed vision guides us: a future where support is timely and tailored, services are joined up, and relationships are strong - so that every child is surrounded by a team that puts their unique needs first.

We’re creating a culture shaped by the voices and lived experiences of children and families, grounded in care, inclusion, equity, and possibility.

If you’re ready to lead with heart and purpose, and to help bring this shared vision to life in a city that’s ready for change, we’d love to hear from you.”

Sarah Nardone – Corporate Director, Children’s Services and Education Services

Transforming Children’s and Education Services

Nottingham City Council Children’s and Education Services is embarking on a significant transformation journey, and we are excited to announce we are recruiting for the following key roles:

• Director of Family Help
• Head of Adolescence & Youth Justice
• Head of Children’s Regulated Services

The Director of Family Help will lead Family Help, Youth Justice, Virtual School, Quality Assurance, and Safeguarding Partnership services. You will enhance social work and youth justice to ensure top‑quality care for adolescents and families, whilst driving improvement and recovery with key stakeholders. We are looking for an inspiring and inclusive leader with senior experience, committed to equity, diversity and belonging, skilled at turning strategy into action and creating cultures where every voice is valued.

The Head of Adolescence & Youth Justice will lead MST, Youth Justice, Family Networking and Adolescence Teams, driving Nottingham’s strengthened and expanding youth offer. You will ensure adolescents receive timely, local, and impactful support, champion high‑quality practice, and lead key youth‑focused developments across the city. We are looking for a confident, collaborative leader who champions inclusive practice, removes barriers, and creates conditions where young people and practitioners can thrive.

The Head of Children’s Regulated Services will lead residential care, fostering, corporate parenting and semi‑independent services, acting as Responsible Individual for regulated provision. You will ensure safe, nurturing, high‑quality homes for children while driving improvement, strengthening quality assurance and leading the expansion and modernisation of Nottingham’s residential estate. We are seeking an experienced leader who brings both expertise and an inclusive leadership style, able to inspire teams and ensure all children experience a deep sense of safety, belonging and respect.

Shaping Services for a Stronger Future

This transformation is far‑reaching. We are developing a strengthened and responsive youth offer, expanding our residential estate to create more local, nurturing homes, and embedding the Social Care Reforms and Families First Partnership Programme to drive improved outcomes for children and families. Central to this is building an inclusive system - one that recognises diverse identities, removes structural barriers, and works with families as equal partners.

These positions are pivotal in delivering this ambitious agenda. We are looking for inspirational and knowledgeable leaders who are passionate about making a difference and driving meaningful, sustainable change.

As part of our Children’s Services leadership team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our service. Each role brings unique responsibilities, and together they will form a dynamic team committed to improving outcomes and transforming lives across Nottingham.

Your expertise and vision will help us implement innovative practice, strengthen partnerships, and create a supportive environment where every child can thrive.

Join Us in Making a Lasting Impact

Join us in this transformative journey and be part of a team dedicated to excellence, continuous improvement, and the well‑being of children and families in Nottingham - always keeping children at the heart of every decision we make.

We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and communities, recognising that a diverse leadership team strengthens our ability to serve all children well. Your leadership can truly make a difference.

If you are an innovative and values‑driven leader who is committed to improving outcomes, shaping high‑performing services and leading positive change, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Further Information:

• Director of Family Help
  Director of Family Help Advert 
  Director of Family Help Job Description
• Head of Adolescence & Youth Justice
  Head of Adolescence & Youth Justice Advert
  Head of Adolescence & Youth Justice Job Description
• Head of Children’s Regulated Services 
  Head of Children’s Regulated Services Advert
  Head of Children’s Regulated Services Job Description

To Apply:

Please submit your CV and a covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements for appointment to: helen.pearson2@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

• The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 19^th April
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled for week commencing 4^th May (first stage) & week commencing 11^th May (second stage) with specific dates varying by role

To arrange an informal conversation with Sarah Nardone about your preferred role, please contact gwendoline.williams@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

If you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process, please contact helen.pearson2@nottinghamcity.gov.uk