The Role: Hackney’s Children & Education services are working to create a new Commissioning, Business Insight and Operations (CBOI) Service which sits alongside Education & Inclusion and Children & Families services in our Children & Education Group Directorate. As part of this new CBOI division, we have created a new Governance, Strategy & Performance Service to sit alongside our Integrated Commissioning Service. We’re now seeking a talented Head of Service to lead this essential new service area, as well as consolidate its functions in a new division. This brand-new role will be responsible for developing and implementing transformative, high-quality business support services and robust performance, strategy and governance frameworks across the Directorate. The postholder will lead effective operational delivery of business support functions, lead performance and data analysis, support digital system development, lead on strategic governance, champion quality assurance and manage complaints effectively. If you see yourself as a strategic planner, someone who values working from a solid evidence base, is highly organised and puts children and young people themselves at the heart of service design then we’d like to hear from you. Our successful candidate will also have strong working knowledge of local government performance & reporting frameworks, complaints and feedback systems, governance, and strategy and service improvement – across both children’s education and social care services. This new post will also contribute to the wider strategic thinking within the council, aligning the actions within children’s services to the wider corporate plans and community developments. We are seeking a passionate and transformative leader, who can invest energy and enthusiasm into this new service to start if off on the exciting and influential footing that we hope it to continue along. We will only consider applications from those with Masters/Degree level, business management qualification or significant experience of working as a member of a senior leadership/management team. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. About Us: As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. This application process replaces a supporting statement. Closing date for applications : 07 October 2025 (22:59). Interview and assessment date : 17 October 2025. We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive. Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk