Assistant Director – Social Care

Salary: £98,452 - £109,400 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Carlisle, Cumbria

Lead the transformation of Children’s Services in Cumberland. Champion the voice of every child.

About Us

At Cumberland Council, we’re passionate about delivering inclusive, impactful public services — and that starts with our people. We put health, wellbeing and personal growth at the heart of everything we do, creating an environment where you can thrive while making a real difference to our communities.

Based in the stunning county of Cumbria, you’ll enjoy a lifestyle that balances career ambition with natural beauty and affordability. From peaceful beaches and charming villages to the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District, this is a place that truly inspires.

This is more than a job — it’s a chance to shape a better future, unlock your potential, and be part of something bigger!

The Opportunity

This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking Council and a Children’s Services rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, that puts children and families first. You’ll collaborate with passionate professionals in a supportive environment and be part of a dynamic leadership team, empowered to innovate and make a meaningful difference for children, young people, and families across Cumberland.

As Assistant Director, you will lead our safeguarding and cared for services, care experienced and including provider services, ensuring children and young people are professionally safeguarded, supported, and cared for. You will drive strategic transformation, improve service delivery, and champion the voice of children and young people in everything we do.

You will play a key role in translating the Council’s corporate vision into impactful strategies for Children and Families, delivering inclusive services that empower communities and improve outcomes for children and young people.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead integrated services across Children and Family Wellbeing.
• Deliver responsive, coordinated support in partnership with stakeholders.
• Ensure legal compliance with safeguarding and care responsibilities.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Inspire and develop a compassionate, high-performing workforce.
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring value for money.
• Influence national and local policy through strategic relationships.

About You

You will be a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England, with significant experience in leading Children’s Services. You’ll bring:

• A deep understanding of safeguarding, cared for, and transition services.
• Proven leadership in complex, multi-agency environments.
• Strategic vision and the ability to turn policy into practice.
• Political and commercial acumen.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and innovative mindset.

Contact

If you would like any further information about the role, please contact Martin.Birch@cumberland.gov.uk  

Application and Interview information

• Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions.
• If you have a covering letter, please attach it as part of your application.
• Pre-screening additional questions are below, please complete and return to resourcing@cumberland.gov.uk after you have applied for the role.
  
  

Closing date: Sunday 16th November 2025

Interviews: Friday 5th December 2025

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification
• Pre-screening additional questions [candidates to complete – see above]

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council

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