About Us

Head of Cluster
Children’s Place and Partnerships - Children’s Services
£67,976 - £82,896 per annum
Permanent
Full Time (36 hours)
Wandsworth, London

Why Wandsworth

Children are at the heart of everything we do, and we believe in the transformational power of partnerships in improving lives for children and families in the communities we serve. 

As a modern, dynamic, and forward-thinking children's department, this exciting new role will be a critical part of our ambition to ensure all children and young people can live their best lives and become the accomplished adults of the future. 

Our vision is to establish family hubs, supported by satellite children’s centres and youth clubs, at the heart of the community. These hubs will be easily accessible to all, providing a welcoming and friendly space where our partners, voluntary organisations, early help services, housing, and registrar services come together under one roof to deliver services to children and families.

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to join our senior management team within our Place and Partnerships division. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership and effective delivery of locality-based services and support for children and families within a designated area of the borough. You will be a key part of Wandsworth’s delivery of effective and inspirational early intervention, rethinking how we work collaboratively to best meet our communities’ needs and challenges.

As the London Borough of Culture for 2025, these are exciting times to join us at Wandsworth and explore the new opportunities that will be available for our young people, whilst uniting and enhancing our relationships with local communities. 

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of (and experience of operating) relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children and London Child Protection Procedures.
• Substantial experience of management within Early Help or Children’s Social Care Services.
• Proven track record of working with children, young people and families in local communities (particularly those who are at risk).
• Ability to provide strong leadership and clear vision; to inspire and motivate staff at all levels.
• Ability to establish strong, positive relationships across partners, statutory agencies, and other external organisations that command professional confidence.
• Relevant degree level qualification or other relevant professional qualification with leadership / management qualification or equivalent management experience.

Be a part of our mission to create an inclusive, supportive environment for every child and family in Wandsworth. Join us in making a difference!

For more information about the role, please contact Kat Wyatt, Director of Children’s Place and Partnerships by email Kat.Wyatt@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk to arrange a telephone conversation.

Closing Date: 11:59pm on Sunday 26th January 2025
Shortlisting Date: w/c 27th January 2025
Interview Date: Monday 10th February 2025

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.  

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan. 

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils