Overview
Joining us as the Head of Strategic Development, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of early help and intervention and prevention across Hampshire. In this pivotal, newly created role, you will lead the development and implementation of services that provide children, young people and families with the right support at the right time, improving outcomes, reducing inequality and helping to prevent the need for statutory intervention. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Children’s Services and as a member of the Directorate’s senior leadership team, you will play a key role in translating national reform priorities, including the Families First Partnership programme and Best Start Family Hubs, into successful sustainable local services. Working across a complex and evolving landscape, you will drive innovation, strengthen partnerships and help build a connected system of support that enables every child and family to thrive.
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction and operations of Hampshire’s early help, intervention and prevention services, including Best Start Family Hubs.
- Drive the design, delivery, operations and continuous improvement of high-quality early help services, ensuring alignment with national reforms.
- Build and sustain strong partnerships across health, education, policing and the voluntary and community sector to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Oversee the implementation and long-term sustainability of Best Start Family Hubs as part of an integrated support offer.
- Lead performance, quality assurance and service improvement activities, using data and insight to maximise impact.
- Manage budgets, commissioning and resources while developing a skilled, strengths-based workforce.
Qualifications
- Significant senior leadership experience within early help, family support, prevention or related place-based services.
- Strong knowledge of the Families First Partnership programme, Best Start Family Hubs, Family Help and wider early intervention and prevention policy.
- Proven experience of leading complex systems, service transformation and partnership-based delivery.
- Strong strategic leadership skills with the ability to translate vision into effective operational delivery.
- Experience of managing complex budgets, driving performance and leading through change, inspection and political scrutiny.
- Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work credibly at senior level and drive improvement across organisational boundaries.
Benefits and additional information
- Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that recruitment and selection processes are inclusive and accessible.
- Access to Health Assured’s comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Support for career development and ongoing professional growth.
- Travel to various locations within Hampshire or other local authorities; current driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle are essential.
- The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check; references may be requested prior to interview under safer recruitment requirements.
- Please note sponsorship is not available for this role; applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
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