Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in joining Sefton Council as Assistant Director for Children’s Social Care.

Sefton is a borough full of energy, diversity and opportunity. From the coastal communities of Southport to the urban heart of Bootle, it is a place where people are proud of where they live and where there is a strong, shared ambition to improve outcomes for children and families. This is an exciting time to join us as we continue to build on our progress and shape the next phase of our journey.

We are proud to have achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for our Children’s Services, reflecting the significant progress made in recent years. What stands out most to me, having recently joined as Director, is our culture. This is a service where people care deeply, where relationships matter, and where there is a genuine, shared commitment to doing the very best for children. It’s a supportive, values-driven environment with a strong sense of purpose—and one we are determined to build on.

We are now entering an exciting next phase. Our focus is on strengthening how we work as a whole system — across the Council, with adults, housing, health and our wider partners — so that children and families experience truly joined-up support. There is real opportunity here to shape how we work, to bring fresh thinking, and to embed a more collaborative, outward-looking approach.

This role is central to that journey. You will help consolidate our progress, while also bringing greater clarity, consistency and grip — particularly around workforce stability, sufficiency for children in care, and financial sustainability. Just as importantly, you will help us think differently — using national reforms as a platform for innovation, and ensuring we take a whole-system view of how we improve outcomes.

Sefton offers a strong platform for success. We are investing in systemic and trauma-informed practice, developing our workforce, and strengthening our partnerships. There is also a real opportunity to contribute regionally — working alongside a highly collaborative network of leaders across the Liverpool City Region and Cheshire and Merseyside, sharing learning and shaping the wider agenda.

We are looking for a leader who is grounded in strong social work practice, values-driven, and confident in making clear, evidence-based decisions. Someone who is visible, collaborative and not afraid to challenge — always with children at the centre.

If you are looking for a role where you can have real impact, work with committed colleagues, and be part of an ambitious and supportive organisation, then think Sefton. There has never been a more exciting time to join us.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
Becky Bibby
Executive Director – Children’s Social Care and Education

Lead with Purpose. Shape Services. Change Lives.

Sefton is a borough that surprises. With 22 miles of stunning coastline, the UK’s largest dune system, thriving communities, and iconic events like The Grand National and The Open, it’s a place of real variety and opportunity. From Victorian seaside towns to vibrant urban centres, Sefton is full of contrast — and ambition.

We’re proud of our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for Children’s Services and are now focused on building on this strong foundation. With a new Director of Children’s Services bringing fresh energy, clarity and a strong commitment to a ‘one Council’ approach, there’s renewed focus on how to join up with adults, housing and health, and strengthen how we operate as a whole system. We’re now looking for an inspiring, forward-thinking leader to help us build on these foundations.

This role spans the full breadth of children’s social care, from early help to leaving care. A qualified social worker, you’ll bring strong practice expertise alongside the ability to lead across complex systems. You’ll be comfortable working beyond traditional boundaries—building relationships across the Council and with partners, embedding a joined-up, collaborative approach.

This is a role for a leader who can combine strategy with operational grip. You’ll bring clarity and confidence, strengthening financial oversight, improving workforce stability, and ensuring resources are used effectively—particularly in high-cost areas such as residential care. You’ll be confident in offering challenge, setting direction, and driving sustainable improvement.

At the same time, you’ll lead with creativity and ambition, using national reforms to innovate, take a whole-system view, and shape services that better meet the needs of children and families. Sefton is a great place to work, with a strong, child-centred culture and shared commitment to doing the very best for children. We’re investing in our workforce and systemic, trauma-informed practice, creating a real opportunity to shape and embed a practice framework that reflects our ambition.

You’ll also have the opportunity to play a key role regionally. As part of the Liverpool City Region and wider Cheshire and Merseyside networks, you’ll work alongside a strong and collaborative group of senior leaders—sharing learning, influencing the agenda, and ensuring Sefton’s voice is heard. We’re looking for a visible, values-driven leader who’s compassionate and resilient, and who leads with integrity and strong practice.

This is a career-defining opportunity to make a lasting impact—strengthening our workforce, shaping the next phase of improvement, and delivering better outcomes for children and families in Sefton. If you’re ready to join a dynamic and committed leadership team and make a real difference in a place where your impact will be visible and valued, this is your moment.

To apply or find out more, contact our retained consultants at Tile Hill: Chris Barrow on 07437 839048 or Anita Denton on 07725 554802.

Closing Date: midnight on Sunday 10th May 2026
Longlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Thursday 14th May
Shortlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Friday 22nd May
Preliminary Interviews (virtual): Tuesday 26th May
Assessment Centre (in Sefton): Thursday 28th May (to include partner panel, staff panel and CYP panel)
Final Member Interviews (in Sefton): Tuesday 2nd June