Strategic Director – Together for Families (DCS)
Cornwall Council
Salary up to £171,760
Cornwall is blessed with world-class natural beauty matched by leading edge innovation and limitless ambition. We see Cornwall as the UK’s fifth nation, proud of our Celtic heritage, shaped by our pioneering history and focused on a bright future for one and all. Cornwall is a thriving cultural destination, home to globally renowned natural and built attractions, a vibrant food scene, growing university sector, and a rich arts offer. Cornwall is also a place that is fast becoming key to the sustainability of the UK economy, with cutting edge technologies being developed across a range of sectors, including renewable energy, critical minerals, defence, agri-food and space.
We want to stimulate ‘good growth’ and unlock the potential of everyone in Cornwall – including future residents that aren’t even born yet. That is why one of our six Cornwall Council priorities is to create a caring place for families where children build a bright future, with lifelong opportunities that stretch beyond their postcode. Our whole workforce of c.5,800 is one of the most passionate you’ll find anywhere, upholding our values and focused every day on doing their best for the people of Cornwall by being bold and empowering to create sustainable change together.
THE ROLE
Cornwall is a place with enormous pride and a deep sense of belonging, but also some of the most complex and challenging circumstances facing children and families anywhere in the country. Rising demand for support across children’s social care and SEND is placing real pressure on services, and the Council has responded by directing significant investment and political focus toward strengthening children’s services and improving outcomes for families.
You will be joining a system with genuine strengths: Cornwall Council delivers children’s community health, education and social care through its integrated Together for Families Directorate, working closely with partners to provide joined‑up support for children and young people across early help, schools and family services.
As our next Strategic Director – Together for Families (DCS), you will play a central role in shaping the next phase of this journey. Visible leadership will be essential; this is a role that requires you to be present in our communities, accessible to partners and schools, and active across our political and corporate landscape. Our relationships with schools are one of Cornwall’s real strengths, grounded in mature collaboration and shared purpose through a strong and well‑established education partnership. Protecting and deepening those relationships will be a core part of your success. You will also champion Cornwall’s strong commitment to children’s rights, including the Council’s adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ensuring that children’s voices continue to guide the decisions we make and the services we deliver.
This is not a traditional DCS role. Half of your time will be spent leading the wider organisation as a corporate leader, working closely with the Chief Executive, Members and fellow Strategic Directors to shape the future of Cornwall, drive transformation and strengthen community resilience. The other half will focus on leading high‑performing children’s services with a clear ambition to reach Outstanding, supported by committed Members and a passionate, capable and values‑driven team. If you are ambitious for children, confident in leading system‑wide improvement and motivated by the opportunity to make a profound difference in a place with real heart, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Strategic Director TFF Pack
Image credits: Bridget Carter, Anna Druce, Katie Hall, Katrina Kent, Robin Watson
INFORMATION
Download the candidate pack and click the useful links below for further details. For more information please contact Tim Farr (07756 293292 / tim.farr@starfishsearch.com) or Sunita Patel (07561 708023 / sunita.patel@starfishsearch.com).
DOWNLOAD ROLE PROFILE Structure ChartTimeline
Closing Date: 3rd May 2026
Longlisting: 6th May 2026
Preliminary Interviews: 13th May 2026
Shortlisting: 18th May 2026
Chief Executive 1-1s: w/c 25th May 2026
Final Panel: 3rd June 2026
Useful Links
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
- A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.
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