Durham County Council is seeking an exceptional senior leader to drive forward our ambitious and inclusive vision for children, young people and families across the county. As our Head of Children’s Social Care, you will play a pivotal role in leading and shaping a broad range of statutory and specialist services, including assessment and safeguarding, early help, looked after children, permanence, fostering, adoption, residential care and our care leaver offer. You will lead talented teams, strengthen key partnerships, and ensure high quality, responsive and innovative practice. This is a role with real impact and influence. You will help embed national reforms, maintain effective safeguarding arrangements, and ensure that regulated services continue to deliver to the highest standards - building on our recent Ofsted Outstanding judgement. If you are an inspiring, values driven leader with a strong track record in children’s social care, we would be delighted to hear from you. To find out more, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Nick Raper on 07715 690463, or Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 for a confidential conversation. Closing date Sunday 15th March 2026 (midnight). To apply please click the Apply Now link below.