Director of Social Care and Safeguarding
circa £130,000
In Merton, you will be joining a children’s service with a strong track record of achievement and an even greater ambition for the future. We are proud of our outstanding services, our financial stability and our culture of innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement. Most importantly, we are proud of the difference we make to the lives of children, young people and families every day.
Our relationships with schools, partners and communities are among our greatest strengths. Built on trust, shared accountability and a commitment to doing the right thing, these partnerships have enabled us to achieve exceptionally positive outcomes for children and young people. We have some of the lowest numbers of children in care in the country, reflecting our commitment to supporting children safely within their families and communities wherever possible. Our work to transform SEND services has galvanised the partnership , demonstrating our willingness to confront challenges, learn and innovate.
While we are proud of what we have achieved, we are far from complacent. We know that children and families are facing increasingly complex challenges, and we are determined to ensure that Merton remains a place where every child can thrive, whatever their background or circumstances. Through our ambitious transformation programme and our commitment to the Families First agenda, we are creating the conditions that enable practitioners to spend more time with children, young people and families, building relationships, strengthening resilience and improving life chances.
This is an exciting moment in Merton’s journey. As we continue to reimagine services around the needs of children and families, we are seeking an exceptional Director who can help shape the next chapter. Supported by a talented and committed workforce of more than 500 colleagues, you will play a pivotal role in driving excellence, nurturing innovation and developing the next generation of leaders.
Working closely with the Executive Director of Children’s Lifelong Learning and Families , elected Members and partners across the system, you will help lead one of London’s high performing children’s services while contributing to wider place-based transformation. We are looking for a strategic, collaborative and inspirational leader with the courage to challenge, the humility to listen and the determination to make a lasting difference.
If you share our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to be safe, loved, healthy and successful, and if you are passionate about public service, partnership and social justice, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for Merton’s children, young people and families.
Job Description and Person Specification
Ofsted Children’s Services Report July 2025
Children and Young People’s Plan 2024-2028
Family First Partnership Programme Summary Overview 2026
LGA Corporate Peer Challenge 2024
Recruitment timetable
| Closing date: | 9 October 2026 |
| Technical interviews: | w/c 19 October 2026 |
| Shortlist decision: | 2 November 2026 |
| 1:1/stakeholder sessions | w/c 9 November 2026 |
| Final panel | 17 November 2026 |