Service Director Education, Participation & Skills

Service Director Education, Participation & Skills

All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description.

Plymouth is on the brink of something extraordinary. As one of the UK’s newly designated national defence growth areas, the city is seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape its economy, inspire its young people and ignite ambition across every community. We’re determined to ensure that Plymouth’s future is not only prosperous, but shared; so that every child, in every community, can grow up with confidence, aspiration and the skills to succeed.

The Children's Services directorate is central to this city-wide mission. Economic growth can only be sustained if children and young people have the ambition, attainment, skills and support to seize the opportunities being created. The city we’re building is one where every child can see a future for themselves, supported by a system which works seamlessly to spot difficulties early, responds quickly and effectively, and makes sure help is there as long as it’s needed.

Reporting to the Director of Children’s Services, this role will play a pivotal role in helping our children and young people to live full and happy lives, able to access to world-class provision across learning, alternative provision, SEND, skills and employability. Working in close collaboration with schools, colleges, training providers, universities and industry leaders, you'll ensure we build powerful, inclusive pathways that prepare young people for the opportunities being created by Plymouth's growth agenda, particularly across defence, advanced manufacturing, engineering, digital and other emerging sectors. We’ll also ask you to take responsibility for the Child Poverty Strategy, and provide assurance that we are compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Candidates will bring extensive knowledge of system leadership, with a track record of leading and developing a successful education and learning function. You’ll be able to demonstrate a comprehensive and highly strategic understanding of local government service provision, including all statutory and commercial aspects; and an uncompromising commitment to partnership working, continuous improvement and safeguarding is essential. We’ll also look for evidence that you value the voices of service users as highly as we do, and that you understand how to lead change with compassion, optimism and an inspiring vision for better.

This is a rare opportunity to shape education and learning at a pivotal moment in Plymouth's future. You'll join an ambitious, supportive leadership team committed to ensuring the city's economic success is matched by better life chances for every child and young person.

Please visit to find out more. xwzovoh   To arrange an informal conversation with our advising consultants at Faerfield, Dawn Faulkner or Rob Naylor, please call

Closing date: Thursday 23 July.