Head of Youth Offending Service

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624507

Salary Range: £65,895 - £73,902 per annum

Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 10 August 2026

Interview Date: 19 August 2026

The Role:

We have an exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader for Hampshire's Youth Justice Service.

You will have lead responsibility for managing the service including staff on secondment from partner organisations, leading on our inspection readiness and preparation, and driving forward continual improvement and innovation across the service.

What you’ll do:

Through the leadership and management of the Youth Justice Service for Hampshire, you'll ensure all aspects of the service, delivered by the County Council and its partners, fulfils its statutory responsibilities, within national standards and corporate priorities, to:

• prevent crime and disorder (s17 1998 Crime and Disorder Act) 


• ensure outcomes for children and young people are promoted (2004 Children Act) 


• ensure children and young people are safeguarded within the youth justice system (1989 and 2004 Children Act)) 

What we’re looking for:

We are looking for an experienced senior manager, ideally with a social care, criminal justice or probation background, to lead and develop the Youth Justice Service for long-term success. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Children’s Social Care, Education, Police, Probation, Health and other local Partners to achieve the best outcomes for our children at risk of, or already part of, the criminal justice system. You will lead all aspects of our inspection preparation and readiness in response to the new national inspection framework that is due to be implemented in early 2025. 

You need to hold a professional qualification relevant to Social Care, Health, Education or Probation. You will have experience of leading teams that work in a collaborative, strength-based culture, as well as all aspects of performance management. You will be confident to engage with staff and managers at all levels across a range of organisations, and be able to work proactively and independently and ensure that front-line practice contributes to strategic priorities. 

Why join us?

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. 

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Additional Information:

Head of Youth Offending Service Candidate Pack

Please note this post is Politically Restricted.

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Richard Hadley, Area Director South West on [email protected]