Overview
Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire
Salary: £104,000 per annum
Contract: Full time | Permanent
For more than 120 years, St Elizabeths has been supporting children and adults with complex needs to live life to the full. Our 60-acre site in Much Hadham includes a school, FE college, seven Ofsted-registered children’s homes, adult supported living, and a CQC-registered health agency. We support around 180 children and young people, many with severe epilepsy, learning disabilities, autism and related conditions, providing care, opportunity, aspiration and community.
We are seeking a visionary Director of Children’s Services to join our Executive Team and lead the strategic and operational excellence of our children’s residential care and health services.
Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership across seven Ofsted-registered children’s homes to ensure safe, high-quality, person-centred care.
* Lead our CQC-registered Health Agency (nursing, therapies, psychology and clinical services) to drive integration and improved outcomes for children.
* Shape and deliver the long-term vision for children’s services, aligned with our strategy and values.
* Ensure regulatory excellence and maintain strong relationships with Ofsted, CQC, commissioners and external partners.
* Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead at Executive level, embedding a culture of vigilance, safety and empowerment.
* Oversee the admissions pipeline, working with local authorities and families to meet demand and future need.
* Drive service improvement and transformation guided by best practice and the voices of children, families and staff.
* Inspire, support and develop a multidisciplinary workforce of over 200 colleagues and ensure they are equipped, motivated and valued.
About You
You will bring a track record of senior leadership in children’s residential care, health, or social care services, with a strong grasp of regulatory frameworks and quality improvement. Specifically, you will have:
* Significant leadership experience in Ofsted-regulated children’s provision with demonstrable impact on outcomes and quality.
* A deep understanding of safeguarding legislation and experience as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
* The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across care, health and therapies, and to collaborate with education colleagues.
* Strong skills in strategic planning, service design and transformation with evidence of successful innovation.
* Exceptional communication skills to inspire teams, build trust with families, and influence commissioners and regulators.
Desirable
* Experience of CQC-regulated health or therapy services.
* Familiarity with commissioning, contracting, and funding models.
* A professional qualification in social care, health, education or related field.
What We Offer
* Salary: £104,000 per annum plus £5,000 welcome bonus (T&Cs apply)
* Annual leave: 30 days plus service-related increases
* Healthcare: Bupa private medical cover
* Pension: Generous contributory scheme
* Wellbeing: Employee assistance, free parking, subsidised meals, and a beautiful countryside campus
* Development: A culture that invests in leadership, professional growth, and continuous learning
* The opportunity to shape one of the UK’s most distinctive models of integrated education, care and health provision
This is an on-site role based in Much Hadham. Due to our rural location, a driving licence and access to transport are essential.
Apply Now
This is more than a job — it’s a chance to shape lives, influence practice nationally, and leave a lasting legacy.
If you are ready to lead with vision, compassion, and impact, we would love to hear from you. For a confidential conversation, please contact us.
Lead with vision. Transform with care. Join St Elizabeth’s and help children live life to the full.
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