Assistant Director Education

Salary: Competitive

In this role, you will lead various educational services, including SEND, school improvement, early years settings, pupil place planning, admissions, home-to-school transport, and academisation programme. You will drive strategic planning, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with Council policies. A deep understanding of SEND services is essential, as you will be expected to guide the Council in developing innovative, more effective approaches to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

You will manage educational priorities, such as planning provision for children and young people aged 0-19, overseeing transport policies, and leading education capital programs. The role also involves guiding consultations on school changes, managing academy conversions, and liaising with the Department for Education. As a leader, you will inspire teams, build strong stakeholder relationships, and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. The position requires experience in large organisations, managing public services, and driving strategic decision-making.

For an informal discussion, please contact Carol Coyle on 07500 887849, Amin Aziz on 07709 514141 or Julie Towers on 07764 791736.

For more information about the role please visit Leading Tameside or click the apply link below.

Closing date: Sunday 13th of October 2024

Let’s work together to build a brighter future for Tameside’s children.

Join Our Team as the Director of Children’s Services!

Salary: Competitive

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for improving children's lives?

At Tameside, we recognise that we are not where we want to be, but we are committed to change and improvement. The Council's leadership, along with the support of a children’s commissioner, is determined to transform our services with a focus on delivering the best outcomes for children and families, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development are at the heart of everything we do.

As part of our new leadership team you will drive improvement and transformational change, guiding us toward better outcomes. These key roles present an exciting opportunity to truly impact the lives of children, young people, and families in Tameside. Join us in this important journey, and together, we can build a brighter future for our community.

Director of Children Services:

As the Director of Children’s Services, you will lead and manage the delivery of high-quality social care services in line with Tameside’s vision and values. Collaborating with the Chief Executive, elected members, and key partners, you will ensure services are effective, integrated, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for children and families. Key responsibilities include driving the strategic direction of Children’s Services, leading the Children’s Improvement Plan, fostering partnerships with local agencies, and managing resources to deliver high-quality services within budget.

We are seeking a strong leader with a proven track record in senior management roles within children's social care or similar services. You should have a relevant social work qualification, experience in managing complex organisations, and the ability to lead teams positively through change. Strong leadership skills, a focus on service improvement, and a commitment to promoting equality and delivering high-quality outcomes for children are essential.

For an informal discussion, please contact Carol Coyle on 07500 887849, Amin Aziz on 07709 514141 or Julie Towers on 07764 791736.

For more information about the role please visit Leading Tameside or click the apply link below.

Closing date: Sunday 6th of October 2024

Let’s work together to build a brighter future for Tameside’s children.

Non-Executive Chair

Make UK

Make UK is the manufacturers’ organisation - the leading voice of UK manufacturing and engineering and a key provider of business services for over 125 years. An influential member of the B5 - the five core business groups engaged by Government – Make UK engages directly with the PM and No10, Cabinet ministers and the opposition parties on the major issues that drive Britain’s economy.

At Make UK we value and nurture the contribution the UK manufacturing sector makes in creating jobs, boosting productivity, powering economic growth and delivering shared opportunity across England and Wales. Following the recent general election, this influence will need to grow as the new government seeks swift economic growth. A Chair who is impactful at the highest levels of Government is essential to further Make UK’s agenda.

This is an exciting time for UK manufacturing with a transition to an innovative and more sustainable future. Net Zero, Technology led innovation and the Government shaping a new Industrial Strategy creates a fast-moving agenda for change. Make UK plays a leading role in representing and championing this transition in partnership with its members.

Make UK is also a commercial organisation operating highly successful business services. We provide professional support services (advice, consultancy and training) in HR and Employment Law and Environmental, Health and Safety.  With a focus on the sector’s future skills base, MAKE UK has established itself as a leading national provider of engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships through its Apprentice Training Centre in Birmingham as well as owning and operating several award-winning conference centres in Warwickshire, London and Bristol.

As Chair you’ll prioritise the needs of our members and bring considerable leadership experience to provide robust governance and coordination of the Board. You will have previously chaired similarly diverse organisations, with a focus on balancing commercial and wider strategic objectives and be politically aware. You will work closely with, support and challenge the CEO and Executive Team to prioritise business delivery and development while ensuring the organisation’s continued effectiveness and sustainability. You will have a strong network across Government and business with a national and international reach, acting as an ambassador for our brand and our sector amongst our key audiences and stakeholders, including with Government Ministers, Trade Unions and in the media.

This an opportunity to support Make UK in the next stage of its journey – to further enhance our business service offering, anticipate and meet the future skills needs of manufacturers and strengthen our position as the leading advocate for our sector.  

To download a candidate briefing pack, please click the link below:

Non-Executive Chair - Candidate Briefing Pack

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact our colleagues at LHH Penna:

Charles Wilson on 07801 880420 charles.wilson@penna.com or

Aaron Thomas on 07379 285 167 aaron.thomas@penna.com

Closing date 10th October 2024

Corporate Director Climate and Environment

Islington Council

Salary: £128,704 to £154,390

Islington is a borough committed to shaping a more sustainable and green future for its community. As we work towards delivering our 2030 vision, we are committed to creating neighborhoods that embrace sustainability and innovation towards becoming net zero. Beyond the delivery of key environmental services to our community, our Net Zero Carbon Programme is driving sustainable change in the borough, including improving energy efficiency from all buildings and infrastructure, reducing transport emissions, driving sustainable and affordable energy generation supply, fostering a green economy and promoting a natural environment via waste reduction and recycling. Investing in our green spaces and keeping our borough clean and green will ensure everyone can live a healthy life.

As a Corporate Director of Climate and Environment, you will work directly with our Chief Executive and with Islington’s senior leadership team. Your role will be to lead the Climate and Environment Directorate and take strategic responsibility for all its services, including environmental services, parks, green and natural spaces, leisure, and strategies towards the goal of being net zero by 2030. We need someone who can think innovatively and creatively to address the climate challenges in Islington while also nurturing strong partnerships within the Council and with key external partners.

For more information about the role please click the link below to download a candidate pack.

Candidate Pack

For a confidential discussion please contact:

Pete.john@penna.com on 07701 305617,

Bruna.varante@penna.com on 07858 306725 or

Zara.bruton@penna.com on 0774 3980867.

Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 29th September 2024

Corporate Director Homes and Neighbourhoods

Islington Council

Salary: £128,704 to £154,390

Islington is one of the most exciting boroughs in London. With a growing population of 215,000 people, 36,000 homes and 120,000 repairs a year we are one of the largest landlords in the country. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact on a community facing unprecedent challenges. Your role will be key in delivering the vision of a ‘Safe Place to Call Home’ where every resident has access to safe, good quality and genuinely affordable homes by 2030. For a borough so rich in culture and enterprise, far too many local people are locked out of the opportunity to benefit from what is on their doorstep because of financial and other barriers. We are committed to face this challenge together. We want families to feel they are being taken care in their homes and neighbourhoods. We want our residents to trust us and to be proud of their homes. We want our neighbourhoods to be thriving community hubs, where every resident feels they belong. And to do that, we need your help.

As a Corporate Director Homes and Neighbourhoods, you will be working directly with our Chief Executive and with Islington’s senior leadership team. Your role will be to provide strategic leadership and direction for Islington Housing services, including housing management, repairs, maintenance, supported housing, concierge, building and fire safety and estate management to reflect community safety, security and resilience. This is a key role that enables innovation and improvement throughout services, driving transformational change that directly impacts residents’ quality of life. Are you ready to provide the best service to our communities?

For more information about the role please click the link below to download a candidate pack.

Candidate Pack

For a confidential discussion please contact:

Pete.john@penna.com on 07701305617,

Bruna.varante@penna.com on 07858 306725 or

Zara.bruton@penna.com on 07743980867.

Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 29th September 2024

Rother District Council is looking to the future.  With a new Chief Executive in 2023 and a new Deputy Chief Executive who commenced in spring 2024, we have developed a fresh Council Plan and Target Operating Model to deliver our vision for the district.  Our new senior leadership structure and People Strategy will ensure we have the capacity and capability required to drive the changes required now and in the future, making the most of significant external investments announced in the past 12 months.  We have three new senior roles which could be a fantastic chance for you to progress your career, working with a friendly and committed team in a beautiful part of the country improving outcomes for our residents.  If you enjoy the seaside and beautiful countryside, then this is the place for you.

All of these key roles are required to build effective and long-lasting relationships both within and outside of the Council, and as such, we expect a commitment to attend the Town Hall in Bexhill on Sea an average of two days a week as part of flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Director of Governance & Community Services (Monitoring Officer)

Rother District Council

Package: c£110k

Are you an experienced, qualified, legal professional that has undertaken monitoring officer responsibilities and is now seeking an organisational leadership role?  This is the chance to shape our approach to governance, empowering colleagues and setting clear standards to help members and officers navigate increasingly complex times.  If you are after an opportunity to broaden a legal career and demonstrate potential to move onwards and upwards as a local government leader, this is it.

The new role of Director of Governance & Community Services will be a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team, joining the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive (s151) to put the three statutory chief officers at the top of the organisation. You will lead our Environmental Health, Community Safety, Neighbourhoods and Planning Services, as well as Democratic Services and Audit teams, whilst managing our partnership contract for Legal Services.

To find out more visit www.rotherfutures.com or contact Amin Aziz at Penna on 07709 514 141 or email amin.aziz@penna.com.

Closing date: Midnight, Tuesday 1st October

Technical Interview: Wednesday 9th October

Final Interviews (Officer and Member): 21st October

Beside the sea, beyond expectations!

Director of Commercial Operations

Salary: £103,914

We are on an ambitious journey of transformation, striving to enhance our operations and better serve our vibrant communities. Our vision is forward-thinking, and we are committed to driving effectiveness and fostering collaboration across all our services. This role is central to our mission, and we are searching for a dynamic leader who can bring our commercial services to new heights.

As the Director of Commercial Operations, you will lead a diverse directorate encompassing some of our flagship services that are the most visible to residents, visitors and investors alike. You will work closely with corporate colleagues and strategic partners to promote the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area as a world-class destination, supporting the local economy, and driving our carbon-neutral ambitions, all within an agreed financial envelope.

Key to your responsibilities will be to lead a workforce of over 600 people, ensuring high standards of performance and customer service, embedding a culture of pride, passion, respect, integrity, and innovation. You will be responsible for significant commercial operations and income for the council. You will have a razor-sharp focus on financial viability and will be able to unpick complex financial detail.

We are looking for someone with a proven track record in delivering and expanding commercial services within Local Government or a similar sector. Substantial experience in strategic and operational management within a large and complex organisation is essential, along with the leadership of high-profile, innovative projects and services.

You should be an energetic and driven leader with a strong focus on results, who fosters a culture of learning and reflection. High levels of personal credibility, integrity, and emotional intelligence are essential, along with a growth mindset and proven ability to learn from mistakes. A commitment to driving inclusion and diversity is also crucial.

If you are an innovative and strategic leader ready to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking council, we encourage you to apply. Help us to elevate the success of BCP Council's commercial operations and play a vital role in shaping our future.

For further information and to download the candidate briefing pack, please click below:

Director of Commercial Operations

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Ali Tasker on 07514 728114 or email: ali.tasker@penna.com

Rachael Morris on 07840 711217 or email: Rachael.morris@penna.com

Closing Date: Sunday 29th September 2024

Chief Digital and Information Officer

Reading Council (hybrid-working)

Salary: £88,679 to £103,255

About Us

Now is a great time to look at joining Reading.

Within 20 minutes of central London, and within easy striking distance of the Midlands, the South East and the West Country, we are now seeking a digital professional to lead our ICT and digital services: to build on recent achievements, and continue driving value for money for our residents and businesses.

Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving; and our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.  

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Resources, you will be responsible for leading all ICT and Digital design, delivery and operations in Reading.

We are transforming how we work to enable our colleagues and customers to access the right services, at the right time in the right way.

You’ll review our achievements so far, and will be tasked with identifying how we can make best use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation in a local government context.

And just as importantly you’ll be tasked with ensuring that we derive a tangible return on our digital investment.

About You

This exciting role calls for a digital professional who is ready for the next interesting step in their career.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please contact our consultants and/or apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your candidacy and consider your application.

Travel and workplace requirements

This role includes hybrid working, with a minimum requirement of circa 2-4 days in the office per month.

For more information and to apply

We champion equality, diversity and inclusion and we know that creating innovation for our residents starts from having a diversity of experience at the decision-making table.

If this exciting opportunity has piqued your interest, please click the link below to download the Candidate Briefing Pack or contact our Resourcing specialists at Penna for a confidential conversation:

• Candidate Briefing Pack
• Andrew Tromans on 07805 226301 or andrew.tromans@penna.com
  • Ali Tasker on 07514 728114 or ali.tasker@penna.com

Closing Date: 29th September 2024

Director of Education

Salary £117,326 - 131,826 | London Borough of Harrow

Harrow:

This is an exciting time to join London Borough of Harrow. Situated to the North West of London, we’re the 12th largest London Borough geographically (circa 20 square miles) with a population of approximately a quarter of a million residents.

With one of the most diverse populations in the country, on the outskirts of London and with excellent transport connections as well as extensive parks and green belt, and with schools that are almost exclusively “Good” and “Outstanding” Harrow is where you can build a rewarding career and an enjoyable life. Following the recent announcement of our long standing Director of Education’s intention to retire, we are now seeking a new professional to lead our services and deliver our ambitious plans.

The Position:

Reporting to the Strategic Director of Children’s Services, you will oversee all education services in Harrow, including the commissioning of both statutory and non-statutory services.

As a key member of the Children’s Services Leadership Team, Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), and Education Service Management Team, you will collaborate with the council’s Leader, Chief Executive, and Strategic Directors. You will provide guidance on all reforms and responses to national government agendas impacting Education services within the Children’s Services Directorate.

Building on strong foundations that include excellent relationships with early years settings, schools and local colleges, including our local high-quality special education provision, and leading a well-established team. Initial objectives will include:

•  Reviewing the council’s SEND transport arrangements.

•  Improving the timeliness of EHCPs.

•  Preparing for an upcoming SEND inspection.

•  Wraparound programme in early years.

•  Promoting a self-improving school system.

•  Implement new attendance guidelines and provide strategic leadership for alternative provision.

In the longer term, you will have the opportunity to optimise the service structure, ensure a consistently robust relationship between safeguarding and education, and oversee the construction and opening of Harrow’s first new special school in 20 years.

Candidates:

This role calls for an education professional (e.g. such as a head teacher, or school improvement / SEND leader) with an understanding of how to deliver improvements for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Next steps:

For more information about this opportunity, or a confidential discussion about your suitability, please contact our retained partners at Penna:

• Andrew Tromans: email andrew.tromans@penna.com or call 07805 226301

• Carol Coyle: email carol.coyle@penna.com or call 07500 887849

Please download the candidate pack for more information:

Candidate Pack

Closing date: Sunday 22nd September, 2024

[Please note that interviews will take place in Harrow on Monday 30th September.]

Divisional Head of Housing Services

London Borough Enfield

Salary: Salary: £83,430 - £100,869

With a vibrant and increasingly diverse community, Enfield’s population is growing. To ensure our residents thrive, our Council Plan 2023-26 is dedicated to investing in more and better homes. But we’re not just building new, sustainable homes to meet the growing needs of our population. We’re also committed to enhancing our existing housing stock, ensuring high quality standards for our council tenants and leaseholders. As Divisional Head of Housing Services, you’ll help us make us a positive impact on our communities, a goal that’s central to our borough’s mission.

As the Divisional Head of Housing Services, you will lead a diverse portfolio of services, including homeownership, leasehold, service charges, rents, allocations, lettings, void property management, and resident engagement. With your leadership, we’ll ensure high performance, satisfaction, and effective management of our 15,000 housing stock and communal areas.

It’s a task that calls for a broad range of experience in leading housing services, and the financials associated with it. We’ll also be looking for excellent stakeholder engagement, and communication skills. These talents are essential, as you’ll be leading complex projects, programmes, and change management initiatives. We’ll also be looking the ability to develop and drive teams, while upholding a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity.

If you have expert knowledge of public sector leasehold services, a strong focus on resident satisfaction and service improvement, plus the management of significant budgets and the development of strategic initiatives, this could be the role for you.

Be part of a team dedicated to transforming housing services and making a real difference in the community.

For further information and to download a candidate briefing pack, please click the link below:

Candidate Briefing Pack

For a confidential discussion contact:

Brian Gallagher on 07716 098175 or email: brian.gallagher@penna.com or

Bruna Varante on 07858 306725 or email: bruna.varante@penna.com

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 15th September 2024

Divisional Head of Housing Management

London Borough Enfield

Salary: Salary: £83,430 - £100,869

Enfield is home to an increasingly diverse population and we want our people and places to thrive. That’s why our Council Plan 2023-26 is all about investing in more and better homes for our vibrant community. We’re not just building new, sustainable homes to meet growing needs; we’re also committed to enhancing our existing housing stock. With an extensive housing portfolio – and you as Divisional Head of Housing Management – we can achieve high quality standards for tenants and leaseholders.

Ready to make a positive difference to local communities as part of our borough’s mission? As the Divisional Head of Housing Management, you will lead a diverse portfolio of services, including: housing officers, anti-social behaviour management, community partnerships, and estate services. In effect, you’ll bring your expert knowledge and leadership to our frontline housing services, empowering teams to give their best.

You’ll also manage our non-residential assets and a large Estate Services team. You’ll therefore need expert knowledge of housing management services combined with strong leadership skills. With these talents, you’ll be capable of addressing the needs of council tenants and leaseholders, maintaining high levels of performance, and raising satisfaction across Enfield’s 15,000 housing units, communal areas, environmental spaces, and non-housing assets.

In short, you’ll need a broad range of experience in leading housing management, with a strong understanding of housing legislation and practice. All this, plus excellent financial management, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills. If you’ve ticked all the boxes, you could be a great fit here at the London Borough of Enfield. Show us you can drive teams and have a strong commitment to equality diversity and inclusivity, and we’ll give you a role where your abilities can really shine.

Be part of a team dedicated to transforming housing services and making a real difference in the community.

For further information and to download a candidate briefing pack, please click the link below:

Candidate Briefing Pack

For a confidential discussion contact:

Brian Gallagher on 07716 098175 or email: brian.gallagher@penna.com or

Bruna Varante on 07858 306725 or email: bruna.varante@penna.com

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 15th September 2024

Assistant Director, Children’s Social Care  

Cheshire West and Chester Council

Salary – Up to £90,534

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a fantastic organisation and one which is well-respected across the local government sector.  Since my appointment as Chief Executive a little over a year ago, I have sought to further embed an inclusive, One Council culture - bringing our workforce closer together in supporting our residents and businesses and making a tangible and positive difference to their day-to-day lives.  

We have an extremely strong senior leadership team, working collectively to achieve the ambitions set out in our new Borough Plan. This was co-produced with our communities, who told us that ensuring the best possible start for children and families remains one of their key aspirations for the coming years.  

Whilst  this is undoubtedly an extremely challenging time for children’s services up and down the country, we have continued to invest significantly in our children’s services locally .  I am really excited to further strengthen our team of Directors through this extremely important role, to lead our talented workforce through the next stage of our journey.

At Cheshire West and Chester, we are redefining Children’s Services, with Children, Young People and Families at the centre of our vision, making a real difference and improving lives across the borough. We are looking for visionary leaders to help us build a brighter future where all voices are listened to, heard and where everyone contributes to thriving, caring, and sustainable communities.

As our Assistant Director, you will work directly with the Executive Director to lead, manage, and develop all aspects of Children’s Social Care, ensuring we meet our Council and Service Priorities.

You will have a proven track record of driving and implementing safeguarding strategies for children and young people. Social work practice will be at the heart of everything you do with a focus on innovation and effective solutions. You will be able to demonstrate effective partnership working.

Join us on our mission to provide exceptional care and protection for children young people and families.

For more information about the role please visit https://www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk/assistant-direct-childrens or click the apply link below to submit your CV and Supporting Statement.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Carol Coyle via email carol.coyle@penna.com or call 07500 887849 or Amin Aziz via email amin.aziz@penna.com or call 07709 514141.

Closing date: Midnight 19th September 2024

Assistant Director for Exchequer Services

Tameside MBC, Ashton-under-Lyne (hybrid-working)

Salary circa £90k

About Us

Now is a great time to look at joining Tameside.

Nestled between Manchester City Centre and the Peak District, we are driving regeneration and addressing poverty across our borough.

We are now seeking an IRRV qualified professional to lead our exchequer services and play a strategic role in a forward-looking ambitious Greater Manchester authority.

Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving; and our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.  

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Resources, you will be responsible for Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefits and Transactional Finance.

You will lead the Council’s collection strategy, ensuring that all income due to the Council is collected efficiently, effectively and ethically.

This will include progressing our digital journey – implementing artificial intelligence, automation and a variety of other system improvements to ensure our staff are freed-up to drive better outcomes for residents, businesses and stakeholders.

You will also have the opportunity to join the Council’s Leadership Team and contribute to a wide range of priorities and cross-council initiatives.

You will lead a team of around 100 professionals and collaborate closely with the Assistant Director of Finance, the Assistant Director for ICT & Digital, the Assistant Director of STAR Procurement and the Head of Assurance as part of the Resources Leadership Team. You will be a crucial member of our Assistant Directors Delivery Group and attend Senior Leadership Team as and when required.

About You

This exciting role calls for an IRRV qualified professional who is ready for the next exciting challenge in their career.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please contact our consultants and/or apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your candidacy and consider your application.

Travel and workplace requirements

This role includes hybrid working, with an average requirement of circa one day in the office per week.

For more information and to apply

For more information about this opportunity, or a confidential discussion about your suitability, and to apply, please click the link below to download the Candidate Briefing Pack or get in touch with our retained partners at Penna:

• Candidate Briefing Pack

• Andrew Tromans – email andrew.tromans@penna.com or call 07805 226301

• Brian Gallagher on 07716 098175 or email: brian.gallagher@penna.com

Closing date: 15th September 2024