Director of social care and safeguarding

Merton's children's services have a strong track record of achievement. We are proud of our outstanding services, financial stability, and culture of innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement, while remaining ambitious for the future.

Our relationships with schools, partners and communities are among our greatest strengths, enabling exceptional outcomes for children and young people, including some of the lowest numbers of children in care in the country. Our work to transform SEND services has demonstrated our willingness to confront challenges, learn and innovate.

Through our ambitious transformation programme and commitment to the Families First agenda, we are creating the conditions for practitioners to spend more time with children, young people and families, strengthening relationships, resilience and life chances. As we continue to reimagine services, we are seeking an exceptional Director to help shape the next chapter. Leading a talented workforce of more than 500 colleagues, you will drive excellence, nurture innovation and develop future leaders.

Working closely with the Executive Director of Children's Lifelong Learning and Families, elected Members and system partners, you will help lead one of London's highest-performing children's services while contributing to wider place-based transformation. We are looking for a strategic, collaborative and inspiring leader with the courage to challenge, humility to listen and determination to make a lasting difference