Following our recent ILACS and the remodelling of our senior leadership team, we are entering a new phase of purposeful and sustainable improvement. With strong political support, a dedicated workforce, and a clear, ambitious improvement plan, we are well-placed to make real progress – and we’re looking for outstanding leaders to join us and help us drive that change. As Assistant Director for Quality Assurance and Practice Improvement, you’ll be at the centre of our improvement journey. Reporting directly to the Strategic Director, you will lead on practice development, workforce standards, and inspection readiness across children’s social care, education, and youth justice. This is a role for a visible, values-led leader with a clear understanding of what great practice looks like – and how to embed it. You will be my “eyes and ears” across the service, ensuring our managers and practitioners are well supported, our performance data is used with purpose, and our quality assurance framework is focused, fair and effective. You’ll also lead our Principal Social Worker function and take strategic oversight of professional development, practice audits, safeguarding partnerships, and inspection planning. From regulatory compliance to culture change, you will play a vital role in ensuring we’re building a confident, capable, and high-performing service. To succeed, you’ll bring leadership experience in children’s services, a strong grasp of statutory frameworks, and the credibility to influence across professional boundaries. Just as importantly, you’ll understand how to support a workforce under pressure – and how to inspire them with clarity, empathy, and purpose. This is a chance to make a lasting difference in a borough with ambition. We’re realistic about the work ahead – but we are clear about where we’re going, and committed to getting there. To find out more, please contact our retained consultant Andrew Tromans at Penna on 07805 226301 or at andrew.tromans@penna.com, or Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or at carol.coyle@penna.com. Closing date: Sunday 10th August, 2025. To apply please click the Apply Now link below.