Interim Sector Experts (Head of Service Level)

Children Services Improvement Programme

East Midlands (Hybrid – minimum 3 days onsite)

Inside IR35 | 6-month initial contracts

A major, values-led improvement programme is underway within a local authority’s Children and Education Services in the East Midlands. This is a significant opportunity to play a key role in driving sustainable change, improving outcomes for children, young people and families, and supporting a well-established workforce to embed consistently good practice.

We are seeking multiple interim sector experts at Head of Service level to join a dedicated improvement programme team. These roles will work alongside services—rather than through direct line management—bringing both strategic oversight and operational credibility to support improvement at pace.

This is not a traditional leadership role. We are looking for hands-on, credible “doers” who can quickly assess, engage and influence, while working collaboratively with teams to deliver meaningful and lasting change.

Key Focus Areas

We are particularly interested in sector experts with experience across one or more of the following areas:

• Adolescence
• Early Help / Family Help
• Statutory Social Work
• Education
• Inclusion
• SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

The Programme

• Part of an ongoing improvement journey, with inspection activity anticipated
• Focused on addressing historical challenges and embedding sustainable good practice
• Supporting services to improve outcomes for children and families, including enabling families to support themselves
• Working in partnership with an established workforce, providing support, challenge and guidance
• Contributing to a wider transformation agenda, including the launch of a new Target Operating Model

About You

• Proven experience operating at Head of Service level (or equivalent) within Children’s Services
• Strong blend of strategic insight and operational delivery
• Credibility with frontline services; able to influence and support without direct authority
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable working in complex, high-profile environments
• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and families in a sustainable way
• Social Work qualification desirable, but not essential where strong sector credibility exists

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-impact programme where your expertise will directly shape service delivery and long-term outcomes.