Head of Strategic Governance, Planning and Improvement
JOB_53706884765811Job type
TemporaryLocation
BirminghamWorking Pattern
Full-timeSpecialism
StrategyIndustry
Government & Public ServicesPay
£500-£700 per day
Head of Strategic Governance, Planning and Improvement, Interim, West Midlands, £500-£700 per day, Hybrid
Interim Head of Strategic Governance, Planning & Improvement
Day rate: £500–£700 (inside IR35)
Location: Midlands-based public sector organisation (hybrid working)
Directorate: Children & Families
Location: Midlands-based public sector organisation (hybrid working)
Directorate: Children & Families
A Midlands-based public sector organisation is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join its Children & Families Directorate as the Interim Head of Strategic Governance, Planning & Improvement. This pivotal leadership role provides expert direction across governance, strategic planning, performance, learning & development, and continuous improvement. As a member of the senior management team, you will influence strategic direction, ensure strong governance arrangements, lead inspection readiness (including Ofsted), and drive improvement activity across a complex system of services supporting children, young people and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the organisation’s Strategy, Governance and Improvement functions, creating a culture of high performance and strong leadership across teams.
- Drive strategic planning processes aligned with organisational priorities, needs analysis, statutory expectations, inspection findings and the voice of children and families.
- Develop and embed robust governance, performance management and quality assurance frameworks across the directorate.
- Lead preparation for Ofsted and other external inspections, peer reviews and self‑assessments.
- Champion continuous improvement through programme and project management approaches.
- Oversee learning and development, ensuring evidence‑based professional development aligned with practice needs and career pathways.
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders and members on policy, planning and operational service delivery.
- Lead partnership and multi‑agency working across complex systems, influencing strategic partners.
- Manage directorate-wide communications, engagement and events, ensuring alignment with corporate messaging.
- Oversee performance and budget management across service areas.
- Promote safeguarding best practice across all areas of responsibility.
About You
You will bring substantial senior leadership experience within children’s services, local government or a related complex public sector environment, alongside:
- Extensive experience advising senior leaders on policy, strategic direction and operational delivery.
- A proven track record of delivering corporate projects, major change and service improvement.
- Strong knowledge of governance, performance management and statutory frameworks applicable to Children & Families services.
- Experience developing effective internal and external communications strategies.
- Ability to lead multi‑agency partnerships and drive whole‑system improvement.
- Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop teams.
- A positive, innovative and resilient approach, committed to continuous improvement and high‑quality outcomes.
An Enhanced DBS (Children’s) is required.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
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Head of Strategic Governance, Planning and ImprovementJOB_537068847658112026-01-282026-04-29
Talk to Katie O'Toole, the specialist consultant managing this position
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JOB_53706884765811