Becoming a director of children’s services

The post of director of children’s services (DCS) is the only job in local government that has a national job description and is subject to statutory guidance about what responsibilities should or should not be included within the brief. This section provides an insight into what the job is like in practice, and what it means to be a director of children’s services. It also provides guidance on the current state of the market and gives information about preparing for interview for a senior role.

• Why become a director of children’s services?

  Discover some of the background to the role, and listen to DCSs from across the country talking frankly about the challenges and satisfactions of being a DCS

• What does the job involve?

  Find out how some authorities organise their services, and listen to a case study about working in partnership through the children’s trust

• What kind of experience and skills are required?

  Two DCSs talk about the step up from assistant director, and chief executives give the inside story about what they’re looking for when they recruit a DCS

• What opportunities are available?

  Take an overview of the market, find out what it takes to get appointed as a DCS or second-tier officer and learn how to prepare for interview