Aspirant DCS Programme

The Aspirant DCS Programme contributes to children’s services leadership by focusing on those who aspire to the role of director of children’s services (DCS) or chief officer with responsibility for children’s services.

The programme supports participants’ development as influential leaders who can inspire outstanding service delivery. The aim of the programme is to create a pool of candidates with the necessary desire, knowledge, capability and experience to be considered for the role of DCS or chief officer with responsibility for children’s services.

Who can apply?

Individuals who aspire to the role of DCS or chief officer with responsibility for children’s services and who have worked in some aspect of children’s services at assistant director level or equivalent.

Find out more about the eligibility criteria.

What’s involved?

Participants will be offered a variety of learning methods including online, residential activity, small group work, work-based experiences and action learning sets. This will enable participants to develop a highly personalised learning journey that reflects their personal learning style, professional and personal circumstances, as well as meeting their individual learning and development needs.

Duration

Programme duration will be between 12 and 18 months in order to provide flexibility for individual participants.

Cost

Free of charge

Find out more

• About becoming a director of children’s services
• Read the National Leadership Qualities framework

Apply

The current round of registrations for cohort 3 is now closed.

If you have any queries or wish to register your interest in future cohorts please contact: dcsprovision@virtualstaffcollege.co.uk