Director of People Services

The Council of the Isles of Scilly is recruiting a senior leader to take on the statutory role of Director of People Services - combining the responsibilities of Director of Children's Services (DCS) and Director of Adult Social Services (DASS). This is a pivotal post within the council's Senior Leadership Team, offering the chance to shape services that directly impact the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults across a close-knit island community.

You'll provide strategic and operational leadership across both services, ensuring high standards of practice, compliance with statutory duties, and delivery of safe, effective, and person-centred support. The role spans service transformation, safeguarding, partnership development, and corporate contribution - with a strong emphasis on collaborative working and values-led leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering integrated strategies for Children's and Adults' Services, aligned to corporate priorities and national frameworks
• Advising the Chief Executive, elected members, and senior colleagues on care, safeguarding, and wellbeing matters
• Ensuring services meet or exceed regulatory standards (Ofsted, CQC) and statutory responsibilities under the Children Act and Care Act
• Leading multi-agency collaboration with NHS, schools, safeguarding boards, and voluntary sector partners
• Providing assurance to Cabinet and Scrutiny on service performance, risk, and outcomes
• Representing the Isles of Scilly in national forums including the DfE, DHSC, and LGA
• Contributing to cross-council transformation and promoting innovation in service delivery

We're looking for a candidate who:

• Has significant senior leadership experience in Children's and/or Adults' Social Care
• Understands complex statutory and regulatory frameworks and can translate them into effective local practice
• Brings credibility and confidence in advising political and executive stakeholders
• Is skilled in partnership working, service improvement, and strategic planning
• Demonstrates integrity, resilience, and a commitment to public service values

Benefits include:

• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 27 days (pro rata) per annum, plus bank holidays
• Flexible working pattern
• Childcare and eyecare vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Training and development opportunities

Why the Isles of Scilly?

This role offers a unique professional challenge in a setting unlike any other. The Isles of Scilly are home to a small, vibrant population with strong community ties and a deep connection to place. As Director of People Services, you'll have the opportunity to lead with impact, shape services around local need, and work in an environment where relationships matter and innovation is welcomed.

If you're ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information, and to apply, please follow the links here - Council of the Isles of Scilly

This role is being managed by an external agency, so if you have any queries about the role or application process, please contact

Attenti Consulting is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Department:

Chief Executive

Contract:

Full Time - Permanent

Hours:

37 per week

Salary:

£120,000 per annum

Closing Date:

Sunday, 16 November, pm

Application Pack:

Role Profile

Additional Information:

Application Form

Advertisement Monitoring

Equal Opportunities Monitoring

Job Applicant Privacy Notice

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Please submit completed applications to or:

Human Resources

Council of the Isles of Scilly

Town Hall

St Mary's

Isles of Scilly

TR21 0NA

Please note that canvassing of Members or Officers will disqualify you from consideration.

If you require this application pack in an alternative language, in larger text, Braille, easy read or in an audio format, please email or telephone