Assistant Director Standards, Safeguarding and Partnerships
Join to apply for the Assistant Director Standards, Safeguarding and Partnerships role at Guardian Jobs.
About The Role
Are you a visionary education leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people? Lambeth Council is seeking an exceptional individual to join us as Assistant Director of Education and Learning, a pivotal role at the heart of our commitment to excellence in education. As Assistant Director, you will report directly to the Director of Education and Learning and play a key role in shaping and delivering high‑quality education services across Lambeth. You will be a senior leader within the Education and Learning Division and the wider Children’s Services directorate, working collaboratively to drive forward school improvement, champion safeguarding, and ensure the highest standards in our schools and settings.
This strategic leadership role has a broad remit. You will oversee the delivery and development of the Lambeth Schools Partnership (LSP), provide robust monitoring and challenge to all education providers, and ensure schools are well supported and prepared for inspection. You will also lead on safeguarding in education, manage the Virtual School for Children Looked After, and be responsible for several traded services, including our music service.
Salary and Working Arrangements
SMG 2: £85,175 pa rising in annual increments to £101,934 pa inclusive of local wage.
Hybrid working.
Key Responsibilities
* Deputise for the Director of Education and Learning and lead across the division and Children’s Services.
* Provide monitoring and challenge to all schools and settings, regardless of governance, escalating concerns where appropriate.
* Lead the Lambeth Schools Partnership, enhancing collaboration between schools and improving educational outcomes.
* Oversee quality assurance and school improvement processes.
* Ensure effective safeguarding across all schools and settings in partnership with safeguarding leads and external partners.
* Support school governance and ensure schools are inspection‑ready.
* Lead the borough’s Virtual School, driving achievement for Children Looked After.
* Deliver and develop traded education services, including the borough’s music service.
* Lead or coordinate borough‑wide education programmes in line with council priorities and cooperative values.
* Stay abreast of national and local policy, legislation, and best practice.
Qualifications and Experience
* Senior leadership experience in education, preferably in a local authority or multi‑agency context.
* A thorough knowledge of education legislation, policy, and inspection frameworks.
* Expertise in school improvement, governance, and safeguarding.
* Strong partnership‑building skills and the ability to lead through influence and collaboration.
* A commitment to equity, inclusion, and the best outcomes for all children, especially those who are vulnerable or under‑achieving.
Benefits
* Participation in our five Staff Networks.
* Generous annual leave entitlement (27–35 days depending on length of service).
* Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Hybrid working.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Occupational Sick Pay based on length of service.
* Discounts at local restaurants and at “Active Lambeth” gyms.
* Learning and Development opportunities, including apprenticeships.
* Cycle to Work Scheme.
* Secure Bike Storage facilities at the Town Hall and Civic Centre.
* Trade Union Membership.
How To Apply
Click the apply button to complete an online application. In your supporting statement, clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an ‘A’ at shortlist stage. We operate an anonymised application process, so please remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.
For further information on DBS and Cifas checks, see the links in the full job description.
#J-18808-Ljbffr