Position Information
Position reference: 50145810
Directorate: Children’s Services
Service: Commissioning
Salary: £75,059 – £83,148
Working Arrangements: Hybrid
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 05/06/2026 23:59
About the Post
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council has invested significantly in children’s services. The Children in Care Sufficiency Strategy 2026‑2030 is a Cabinet‑approved, four‑year programme designed to change how Barnsley plans for, commissions and delivers provision for children in care and children with special educational needs and disabilities. The strategy works across three pillars: reducing avoidable entry into care, stabilising placements for vulnerable adolescents, and strengthening how the Council commissions and directly provides residential and specialist care.
As part of the programme, the five roles we are recruiting now are within the Programme Management Office, which sits at the centre of all three pillars, maintains the evidence base and provides governance and assurance infrastructure.
Role and Responsibilities
- Accountable for the governance, assurance and benefits realisation of a Cabinet‑approved programme backed by recurring revenue investment rising to £5.41 million per annum by Year 3.
- Maintain evidence base for high‑needs stability grant funding and demonstrate credible delivery against the local SEND reform plan.
- Lead a small team, represent the PMO at governance forums and support the Executive Director’s intention to centralise project management resources.
- Manage relationships with corporate functions (Finance, Legal, Procurement, HR, Assets) to secure resources and prioritise delivery without direct authority.
- Provide the assurance infrastructure required by the Cabinet, Senior Management Team and Director of Children’s Services.
Qualifications and Experience
- Extensive experience leading a PMO or complex programme in a local authority or comparable public‑sector organisation.
- Direct accountability for governance and assurance at a senior level.
- Experience in or alongside children’s social care, SEND or commissioning.
- A programme or project management qualification is desirable.
- Judgement, credibility and organisational standing to lead at this level.
Benefits and Working Conditions
- Competitive salary as stated above.
- Hybrid working arrangement and flexible working options.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Opportunities for training and professional development.
- Support for health and wellbeing.
Additional Requirements
- Basic Criminal Record Check required.
- Reasonable account of any significant periods (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of living abroad.
- Applicants must have the necessary legal documents to start work, such as a valid visa; Barnsley Council does not provide sponsorship for skilled or temporary migrant workers.
- CVs are not accepted for this role.
Equal Opportunity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is inclusive and we consider applicants with past convictions. We are committed to fairness and do not discriminate.
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