Head of Service, Family Support

About Barnet Council

Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. Our staff are committed to the values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.

About the Role

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering Barnet’s Family Support (Early Help) and Prevention vision, including the development of a Team Around the School model. You will lead a borough-wide system that includes Early Years provision, Family Hubs, parenting services, youth interventions, targeted support programmes and our local offers such as Duke of Edinburgh and holiday programmes.

You will play a key leadership role ensuring a seamless, holistic, and timely early intervention offer that supports families at the earliest point of need within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

A core part of the role will be embedding family‑led decision making, whole family practice, and restorative approaches across the family support systems to ensure children remain safe, supported and able to thrive in their families and communities.

About You

• A strong track record in Early Help, Education, Safeguarding, Early Years or Children’s Social Care
• Deep knowledge of early intervention, integrated pathways and multi‑agency partnership working
• Experience operating at scale across complex systems
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills
• The vision and drive to lead transformation and deliver evidence‑based practice
• Passion for prevention and improving outcomes for children, young people, and families

Above all, you’ll be committed to working collaboratively with partners across health, education, police, the voluntary and community sector, and local communities to build a preventative and supportive system that is proactive, accessible and impactful.

What We Offer

• A highly supportive and ambitious Senior Leadership Team
• A strong culture of learning, innovation and continuous improvement
• Opportunities to shape and influence system‑wide developments across Barnet
• A commitment to flexible working and professional development
• Being part of a borough known for strong practice and strong partnerships
• 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in retirement together with security for dependents
• Work‑life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time
• A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
• Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Employee well‑being training programs including confidential employee assistance

Legal & Equality Statements

Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We operate stringent safer recruitment procedures and provide equal opportunities in the workplace.

Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part‑time, compressed hours and hybrid working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work‑life balance.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert.

All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate satisfaction with your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.

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