Croydon is changing. We are a borough with great assets: a proud and diverse community, strong partnerships, a dynamic economy, a dedicated and committed workforce, the largest child population in London and the scale to shape London’s future. We will also not shy away from our challenges. Following an unprecedented financial crisis, Croydon has been on a determined journey of recovery: stabilising our finances; strengthening governance; and rebuilding trust with residents.

A key part of improvements we have delivered includes being proud to have back-to-back good Ofsted inspection outcomes. Your role will be to provide clear-sighted leadership to ensure we continue to improve the quality of children’s services.

You will inherit good foundations: improving Ofsted inspection outcomes, a stabilised financial position, and a brave and innovative transformation programme which is already actively underway.

We will look to you to lead a whole-system transformation of how children’s social care works - reshaping services, driving cultural change, and building children’s services that consistently strengthen outcomes for children.

This role demands visible, resilient and values-driven leadership. You will:

Lead Croydon’s continued Ofsted and HMIP inspection improvements and ensure long-term sustainability
Lead the transformation of children’s social care
Develop our high-performing, unified leadership team
Strengthen partnerships across the council, with borough strategic partners positioning Croydon as a confident and influential London region partner

We are looking for an exceptional senior leader who has led large, complex organisation change and improvement in children’s social care. You will bring deep insight into improving children’s services with the ability to inspire confidence at every level.

Most of all, you will share our belief that Croydon’s future will be one of outstanding services for children.

To view the Director of Children's Social Care job profile, please click here

To view the Letter to Applicants please click here

To view the CYPE plan 2026 please click here