Programme Manager - Children's Services Reforms
6‑month initial contract (with scope to extend)
Hybrid working
£500–£600 per day umbrella
3 days per week - Part time
CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place week commencing 22 April. Step into a high‑impact assignment as Programme Manager - Children's Services Reforms where you will take ownership of a complex, high‑profile transformation agenda at a critical point in its delivery spanning both Children's Social Care/Families First, Education, SEND & Early Help. Reporting into a senior Assistant Director and working with key stakeholders spanning Children's Services, you will provide the grip, pace and leadership needed to turn ambition into measurable outcomes. This is a role with real visibility, influencing senior leaders, partners and the wider workforce, and shaping how services support children and families for the long term. If you thrive in environments that demand clarity, challenge and delivery, this is an opportunity to make your mark quickly, with autonomy over how you achieve results and the backing of a committed leadership team. Your role as Programme Manager - Children's Services Reforms:
Strategic programme leadership across multiple reform workstreams (Childrens Wellbeing and Schools bill, white paper on SEND and AP, focus on early intervention, supporting kinship carers, improving multi-agency working, and ensuring stable homes for children in care)
End‑to‑end programme planning, Develop and maintain a coherent Children’s Services Reform Programme Plan covering all workstreams, milestones, dependencies, and resource requirements.
Governance, risk and performance reporting Strengthen project management discipline across the services, embedding consistent tools, reporting, and monitoring approaches in addition to governane sturctures, highlight reports, risk registers and performance dashboards
Multi‑agency engagement with education, social care, SEND and safeguarding partners providing challenge and support where necessary
Culture and practice change, embedding consistency and sustainable ways of working
Driving delivery at pace- You will be accountable for maintaining momentum, identifying risks early and ensuring reform activity translates into tangible improvements for children, young people and families.
Review and deliverables - Document governance structure with decision pathways and accountability lines, create engagement plans for staff/partners & provide evaluation for next phase planning. Your previous experience as Programme Manager - Children's Services Reforms:
Proven delivery of large‑scale public sector or children’s services transformation
Strong programme / project management discipline (MSP, PRINCE2 or equivalent)
Deep understanding of statutory frameworks within children’s services, education or SEND
Credibility at senior level, able to influence and challenge constructively
Excellent communication skills, producing clear, high‑quality reports and dashboardsThis contract offers flexibility, a focused 3‑day working pattern and the chance to lead meaningful change with scope to extend beyond the initial term. The Programme Manager - Children's Services Reforms role is ideal if you want autonomy, pace and purpose in your next assignment.
If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who may be a good fit, please contact David Midgley on (phone number removed) or apply today.
(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do get in contact.)
Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills, and any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the process