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This is a fantastic opportunity to lead and shape a brand new Children's Partnerships Team at a pivotal moment of national reform. Working across safeguarding (inclusive of the Safeguarding Children’s Partnership), education, SEND and wider children and young people’s priorities, you will play a key role in strengthening partnership working, driving system-wide improvement, and ensuring that children, young people and families receive the support they need to thrive. We're looking for an ambitious, strategic, and collaborative leader to drive the vision, influence system wide improvement, and ensure children and young people receive the support and protection they deserve.

Working at the heart of a multi-agency partnership, you will bring together senior leaders from children's social care, health, police, education, the voluntary sector and wider community organisations to deliver meaningful change. This is an opportunity to design how partnership working operates locally, shape strategic priorities, and create a lasting legacy that improves outcomes for children and families across Wokingham.

We're looking for an experienced safeguarding professional with a strong track record of partnership working, strategic leadership, and influencing change across complex organisations. You will bring expertise from children's social care, health, education, policing, criminal justice, or a related sector, alongside a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

Leading the strategic development and delivery of Children's Partnerships and their priorities.

Building and influencing strong relationships with senior leaders across partner agencies.

Overseeing safeguarding reviews, audits, quality assurance activity, and the implementation of learning and improvement plans.

Using performance data and insight to identify priorities and drive evidence-based decision-making.

Coordinating Children’s partnership boards, multi-agency events, and strategic programmes of work.

Championing innovation, collaboration, and learning across the safeguarding system.

Managing and developing a small, high-performing team while ensuring the partnership fulfils its statutory responsibilities.

(**Please note: an updated version of the Job Description was re-attached on 21.07.26**)

⭐Staff Benefits⭐ 

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including: 

⭐Generous Annual Leave - 31 days per annum (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays 

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme  

⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week 

⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline 

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines 

⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham 

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes 

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more 

⭐Move through Menopause Course 

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more 

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities 

⭐Employee Networks 

⭐And more! 

 Our Area: 

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.   

Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.  

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.  

If you're ready to shape the future of safeguarding in Wokingham and lead a partnership with real influence and impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing date: Sunday 26th July 2026, 11pm

Interviews: w/c 3rd August

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact either Joanna.ratcliffe@wokingham.gov.uk or Alix.williams@wokingham.gov.uk

AI in Applications: 

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation. 

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected. 

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability. 

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. 

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. 

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. 

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. 

Salary range

£52,414 - £57,870 per year