Interim Assistant Director - Internal Only

This vacancy is only open to North Somerset Council employees and agency workers contracted to North Somerset Council.

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Acting Assistant Director, Help and Connections to join our Children’s Services Directorate.

As you may be aware, Ben Short will be undertaking the role of Acting Director of Children's Services from 12 October. As a result, expressions of interest are invited from senior managers for the opportunity to undertake the role of Acting Assistant Director, Help and Connections on a temporary basis.

This acting-up opportunity is expected to last for a period of 3 to 6 months, commencing on 12 October. The end date will be dependent upon the appointment and start date of the permanent Director of Children's Services.

This is a significant leadership role within the Department, requiring an experienced and credible senior leader who can provide strategic direction whilst maintaining oversight of day-to-day operations.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:

• Significant senior management experience leading complex systems, services and organisational change.
• Strong strategic leadership capabilities and the ability to operate effectively within a complex environment.
• The ability to represent the Department at both corporate and political levels, including engagement with elected members, corporate colleagues and external partners.
• A track record of leading improvement and delivering positive outcomes for children, young people and families.
• The ability to provide clear leadership and support to services whilst maintaining a focus on performance, quality and impact.

Due to the nature of the role, applicants must be qualified social workers and registered with Social Work England (SWE).

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This will be at Weston-super-Mare or within North Somerset.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

As part of the application process, candidates will be required to:

• Complete their personal details within iTrent.
• Provide referee information.
• Upload an Expression of Interest (maximum three A4 pages).

Your Expression of Interest should clearly set out:

• Why you are interested in the opportunity.
• The skills, knowledge and qualities you would bring to the role.
• Your leadership style and approach.
• Examples of your leadership impact and achievements, particularly in relation to improving outcomes for children and families.
• How you would apply your experience and leadership in the Acting Assistant Director role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Ben Short.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Tuesday 15 September 2026

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.