Head of Children's Services - Adoption

We are working with BCP Council who are seeking an experienced, visionary leader to head Aspire Adoption, our regional adoption agency, and lead outstanding services that secure lifelong outcomes for adopted children and their families.

Location: Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council

Set-up: Hybrid – 1-day per month minimum

Rate: £525/day via umbrella inside IR35

Duration: Initially4-months

Hours: Full-time position

Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of Aspire Adoption, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and child-centred services
• Act as the Registered Manager, overseeing all Ofsted inspections and ensuring performance aligns with national and local expectations
• Lead continuous service improvement through effective quality assurance, performance management, and user engagement
• Develop and manage effective partnerships across local authorities, health, and voluntary agencies to deliver integrated, impactful adoption services
• Oversee budgets and service resources to ensure sustainability, value for money, and delivery of strategic priorities

Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker (SW England registered) with a degree in Social Work and advanced professional development in adoption or children’s services
• Proven senior leadership experience in managing adoption or related services within a public sector or multi-agency environment
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, and safeguarding responsibilities in children’s social care
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-profile services, staff teams, performance frameworks, and service-user involvement
• Skilled in stakeholder management, governance reporting, and service transformation through innovation and collaboration

At Venn Group, we endeavour to respond to all applications However due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 48 hours please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion