Overview
Directorate People and Partnerships
Grade Chief Officer
Salary £125,364
Location Dalkeith and throughout Midlothian
Midlothian is the fastest growing local authority in Scotland and we are looking for a new Executive Director, Children, Young People and Partnerships who is passionate about improving outcomes for our children and young people.
We are ambitious for our children and young people, and you will lead the ongoing implementation of our world-class education strategy which is designed to create excellence and equity.
This role reports to the Chief Executive and is supported by the Chief Officer Children Services, Partnerships and Communities and the Education Chief Operating Officer to deliver inclusive services for children and young people across Midlothian. Our Directorate vision is that:
“All children, young people, adults, and communities in Midlothian are supported to be the best they can be. This will be achieved through a nurturing, respectful and collaborative approach that promotes wellbeing, equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning.”
This position requires an astute leader with a proven track record of sustained success at a senior level. You must also be able to demonstrate your experience of improving outcomes, and successfully initiating, implementing and delivering substantial transformational change programmes through visible leadership.
You must be educated to degree level and ideally have a post graduate qualification and be registered with a local government recognised professional body. You must have a detailed understanding of how local government works, especially decision-making processes in the political environment, and be able to demonstrate your understanding and commitment to addressing equality and inclusion.
If you possess all the skills and experience we’re looking for, then we’d like to hear from you, contact details are included in the recruitment pack.
The selection process will be managed by Solace in Business and will involve an assessment centre and an Appointments Committee of Elected Members.
Under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 this post is politically restricted.
Requirements
Applications must be received by 1st October 2025
Assessment centre: 7th October 2025
Final interview: 15th October 2025
Responsibilities
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children.
Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
The Individual
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
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