Job Description Summary:

This is a Full Time Permanent position.

Please Note: The proposed interview date is subject to change and will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates as soon as possible.

Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting

Hull City Council is looking for an exceptional leader to join us as Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting within our Children, Young People and Families Directorate. This is an exciting and new opportunity to shape the future of children in our care and our care leavers across the city.

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will drive our ambition for every child to thrive, championing a strong child‑centred culture and ensuring that the voices of children and families are integral to everything we do.

About the Role

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership for all children looked after and care leaver services, including our regulated children’s homes, supported accommodation, fostering and adoption provision.

You will:

• Lead the development and delivery of Corporate Parenting services, ensuring excellence and aspiration for every child
• Influence policy and practice at local, regional and national levels, working with Government departments, Ofsted, Health, Police and wider partners
• Act as a visible, compassionate and ambitious leader, modelling strengths‑based practice and a culture of high support and high expectations
• Oversee a budget of £38.5 million and lead approximately 370 FTE colleagues across the service
• Ensure organisational readiness for all statutory inspections and compliance with safeguarding duties
• Represent the Council in key forums, strengthening relationships with Elected Members, partners, external agencies and the community
• Be part of the Council’s emergency response rota under the Civil Contingencies Act.

What We’re Looking For - We are seeking a leader with:

• Essential Qualifications & Professional Standing
• A recognised professional or managerial qualification (Master’s level or above) and
• A Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England and
• A commitment to continuous professional development.

Experience You Will Bring

• Extensive senior leadership experience improving outcomes for children and families within a large, complex organisation
• A track record of driving service improvement and cultural change
• Strong political awareness and experience working effectively with Elected Members
• Expertise in partnership working, commissioning, and delivering high‑quality services across agencies
• Significant financial and resource management experience
• Demonstrable success leading multi-disciplinary teams at scale.

Skills & Leadership Qualities

• A compelling, credible leadership style that inspires trust and excellence.
• Ability to think strategically, influence across systems and translate vision into action.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to deliver innovative solutions to complex issues.
• child‑centred, relational and strengths‑based approach.

Our Values

You will embody and champion our leadership values of:
People First | Respect | Learning | Ambition | Partnership

These underpin how we work with children, families, partners and colleagues across the city.

Why Hull?

Hull is a place of strong identity, community pride and ambition for its children. With major investment across Children’s Services, this is an opportunity to be at the forefront of meaningful, lasting change and to make a difference that matters.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Pauline Turner, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families on 01482 616 325.

ROLE AND PURPOSE

The Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting has responsibility for strategic leadership of children looked after and care leaver services in Hull as well as our regulated services that provide the care and support for our children and young people. Accountable for the development and delivery of the business plan and influential in setting the vision and strategic objectives for children and their families across Hull.

Works alongside Cabinet, Elected Members, Corporate Strategy Team, Assistant Directors, statutory partners (Health and Police) and other partners to develop and deliver the City Plan, Council Plan and Children’s Plan.