Head Of Service – Inspection, Improvement, And Innovation

“Take the first step in faith. You do not have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Of course, this quote strikes a chord with you. Because these challenges are what get you out of bed in the morning and down your own stairs.
You are driven by the possibilities that have not yet shown themselves, but which you know will come about through continuous and sustained improvement initiatives, innovation and by leading teams through positive and incremental change.
If you have been reading and nodding your head in agreement, then continue to see if you could be a fit for our new role.
You love being that first pair of boots on the ground; shaping strategy, making plans and creating the self-assessment tools that help track the incredible progress you have made (and the evidence for external validation).
Because you are a transformational leader, you can spot one too. You love working alongside inspirational figureheads — people with a record of accomplishment, who have walked in your shoes before and yet still embrace innovative ideas and ways of working.
You are cognisant of the importance of your role in creating positive outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society. That has always been - and will continue to be - your guiding star.
The Head of III (Head of Service – Inspection, Improvement, and Innovation) is a new role introduced by John Gregg who joined Peterborough City Council (PCC) in July 2023, with a remit to take Peterborough on a dramatic improvement journey, as he did previously with Coventry City Council.
If you enjoy providing support to all key strategic priorities across the whole spectrum of Children’s Services including Early Help, Youth Services, Education and Safeguarding, then you will have that scope in this position.
We asked John’s Executive Assistant, Clair (another in the team with vast experience of Children’s Services) about the characteristics of successful people in John’s team and she gave three words: proactive, ambitious and motivated.
This is a full-time role across a five-day working week, paying up to just over £78k per year and attracts an LGPS pension with 9.9% contributions (before tax relief). PCC runs a hybrid-working model where you will have the opportunity to collaborate and plan alongside colleagues for a minimum two days per week, in the purpose-built riverside city centre offices.
We are aiming to complete shortlisting soon after this role closes for applications on the 27th of March and if successful at shortlisting you will be given an opportunity to share your enthusiasm with us at interview, on 9th/10th April 2024.
If you have any questions about this opportunity – or our improvement journey so far – Clair is more than happy to receive these by email to clair.curtis@peterborough.gov.uk.
Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are proud to serve the diverse communities of Peterborough and want our workforce to reflect this diversity, which we believe is beneficial for our employees, the organisation and the communities we serve.