Head of Service – Children’s Safeguarding & Family Support

Head of Service – Children’s Safeguarding & Family Support Southend-on-Sea City Council Salary: £79,807–£89,823 Southend-on-Sea City Council is entering a new chapter, one defined by ambition, innovation and a renewed drive to enhance outcomes for children and families. We are seeking an exceptional leader to take forward our Children’s Safeguarding & Family Support Service at a pivotal point in our development.

This role carries strategic responsibility for our key front‑door functions, including the Children’s Single Point of Contact, Assessment & Intervention, Family Support & Protection, and services for Children with Disabilities. You will be accountable for the performance and practice standards across these areas, ensuring that we remain inspection‑ready and relentlessly focused on safe, effective and timely decision‑making. Looking ahead, you will play a central leadership role in embedding our new Families First model — a major initiative that will strengthen our early intervention offer and create more integrated, accessible pathways for families.

This is a significant opportunity to shape service design, align resources to need, and influence long‑term strategy across the wider Children’s Social Care system. You will join a collaborative senior leadership team committed to reflective practice, transparent decision‑making and consistent, values‑driven leadership. In this environment, innovation is encouraged, outcomes matter, and leaders are empowered to challenge established thinking in pursuit of excellence.

To succeed, you will bring substantial senior experience in children’s social care, a track record of leading transformation, and deep understanding of risk, safeguarding thresholds and statutory responsibilities. Most importantly, you will be a visible, confident leader who models integrity, builds trust and motivates teams to deliver outstanding work. This is a career‑defining opportunity to lead with purpose at a time of significant organisational change, including wider Local Government Reorganisation.

Your influence will extend beyond service delivery — shaping strategy, strengthening partnerships, and helping define the future of children’s services in Southend. If you are ready to take on a role where your leadership will genuinely shape outcomes for the city’s children and families, we would be delighted to hear from you. For further information, speak to Simon Winspear at our recruitment partners Hays on  or Wendi Wang on   to visit our campaign site – leadingsouthend Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment, and we welcome applications from all members of the community.

We would particularly like to encourage applications from female leaders and individuals from a multi-ethnic background, who are currently under-represented at a senior level within our organisation. At Southend, we strive to create a workplace that reflects our city, where everyone is valued and empowered to be themselves.