Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting

Reimagine the possibilities
At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve. We're a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities.
  
This is a time of exciting and positive change in Suffolk. We’ve made great strides in our children and young people services improvement journey, supported by our excellent corporate leadership team, chief executive, and elected members. However, we know we still have a long way to go and face a number of challenges across a complex landscape.
  
We’re building an exceptional team to deliver the very best outcomes for our children and young people. We’re now seeking an ambitious leader to inject pace to our improvement plan and continue to strengthen our Corporate Parenting function, whilst building excellent relationships across the council and with our partners.
  
As our Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of children in care, care leavers, and families across Suffolk. You’ll provide strategic leadership across a wide portfolio, including Fostering, Adoption, Family Time, Children in Care, Children’s Homes, Leaving Care and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children. You’ll also chair key governance boards such as the Corporate Parenting Board and ensure services are compliant, high-performing, and child-centred. You’ll champion reunification, drive inspection readiness, and embed a culture of excellence and accountability.
  
A qualified social worker, you’ll be a subject matter expert with a proven track record of improvement in corporate parenting services, to ensure every child in Suffolk can exceed their potential. Moreover, you’ll help us to create an integrated system in Suffolk that is rewarding and empowering to work in.
  
In return, you’ll be joining an ambitious council and a service which has embarked on an exciting transformation journey. You’ll work with incredible practitioners as well as an empowering and nurturing Children’s senior leadership team who will support your development as a senior leader. You’ll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of our children and young people to ensure no child is left behind.  
  
If you’re looking for a role where you can make your mark and see the direct impact of your work, then look no further. Come and be part of something unique and reimagine the possibilities. 
  
To find out more please contact our retained recruitment consultants at Tile Hill: Chris Barrow on 07437 839048 or Anita Denton on 07725 554802, or visit https://www.careers.suffolk.gov.uk/leadership
  
Closing date: midnight on Sunday 16th November 2025
  
To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact abbie.hamilton-grant@tile-hill.co.uk
 
Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your current salary and notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.