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The Role
Lead with Purpose. Inspire Practice. Make a Difference.
Are you passionate about driving excellence in children’s services?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
We are seeking experienced strategic leadership for the work of the local area education system, leading associated services and teams, as well as key partnerships, and all relevant policy, strategy and performance, helping the continuing development of an education system that is inclusive, equitable, responsive to the needs of the diverse communities we serve, and is relentless in narrowing the gaps in pupil attainment.
About the Role:
The Deputy Director, Children’s Services, (Learning and Inclusion) will be the lead council officer to ensure the delivery of all statutory duties related to education, from early years to post 16 education, are discharged effectively in response to local needs and corporate goals including Southwark 2030
You will:
- lead the on-going development of the council’s approach to learning and inclusion
- ensure the local education system, leaders, schools and settings work collaboratively together
- lead on the implementation of national, regional and local regulation, policies and strategies
- be the lead officer within the council for its function as a responsible body for council-maintained schools
- promote progression (education, developmental and skills) and inclusion for all children and young people
As a member of the Children’s Services Leadership Team you will contribute to the overall management, development, integration and co-ordination of Children’s Services work in Southwark, deputising for the Director of Children’s Services as necessary.
About You:
To succeed in this role, you will need to have extensive experience and a proven track record of working with school and partnership leaders to deliver improvement across the education system, including schools and the wider education sector, with:
- Proven management experience in a large, complex organisation.
- A strong track record in service improvement and raising standards for all children, in particular the most vulnerable groups.
- The ability to lead, inspire and influence staff, partners and stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills and an understanding of effective, high-quality practice.
- Up to date awareness and knowledge of professional standards, policy developments and relevant legislation.
You’ll be an inspiring and strategic leader with the vision, determination and drive to lead change in a fast paced and diverse borough.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
About the Team:
Our Children’s Services division is at the heart of Southwark’s ambition for every child and young person to thrive. We work closely with schools, early years providers, colleges, and community partners to create an education system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse communities we serve.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the hiring manager Alasdair Smith at .uk
Additional Information:
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at Enhanced level.
Benefits and more information:
https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment Timetable
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Friday 12th September 2025
Shortlisting date/s: Monday 15th September 2025
Interview date/s: Monday 22nd September 2025
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
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Attachments
- JD - Deputy Director CS (Learning and Inclusion).pdf
