Interim Head of Strategicernance, Planning & ImprovementDay rate: £500–£700 (inside IR35)
Location: Midlands-based public sector organisation (hybrid working)
Directorate: Children & Families
A Midlands-based public sector organisation is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join its Children & Families Directorate as the Interim Head of Strategicernance, Planning & Improvement. This pivotal leadership role provides expert direction acrossernance, strategic planning, performance, learning & development, and continuous improvement. As a member of the senior management team, you will influence strategic direction, ensure strongernance arrangements, lead inspection readiness (including Ofsted), and drive improvement activity across aplex system of services supporting children, young people and families.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead the organisation’s Strategy,ernance and Improvement functions, creating a culture of high performance and strong leadership across teams.
2. Drive strategic planning processes aligned with organisational priorities, needs analysis, statutory expectations, inspection findings and the voice of children and families.
3. Develop and embed robusternance, performance management and quality assurance frameworks across the directorate.
4. Lead preparation for Ofsted and other external inspections, peer reviews and self‑assessments.
5. Champion continuous improvement through programme and project management approaches.
6. Oversee learning and development, ensuring evidence‑based professional development aligned with practice needs and career pathways.
7. Provide expert advice to senior leaders and members on policy, planning and operational service delivery.
8. Lead partnership and multi‑agency working acrossplex systems, influencing strategic partners.
9. Manage directorate-widemunications, engagement and events, ensuring alignment with corporate messaging.
10. Oversee performance and budget management across service areas.
11. Promote safeguarding best practice across all areas of responsibility.
About YouYou will bring substantial senior leadership experience within children’s services, localernment or a relatedplex public sector environment, alongside:
12. Extensive experience advising senior leaders on policy, strategic direction and operational delivery.
13. A proven track record of delivering corporate projects, major change and service improvement.
14. Strong knowledge ofernance, performance management and statutory frameworks applicable to Children & Families services.
15. Experience developing effective internal and externalmunications strategies.
16. Ability to lead multi‑agency partnerships and drive whole‑system improvement.
17. Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop teams.
18. A positive, innovative and resilient approach,mitted to continuous improvement and high‑quality oues.
An Enhanced DBS (Children’s) is required.