From challenge to change: Knowsley leads the way.

Knowsley Children's Social Care logo

Small in size yet huge in aspiration, Knowsley Council’s effective leadership and robust financial management, combined with a collaborative strategic plan for growth, has seen the Council take control of its own future and flourish.

With a clear and ambitious vision, Knowsley Council’s consistently bold and brave approach means that the Borough is thriving despite challenges and long-term social and health inequalities.

Leadership, staff, communities and partners are all united behind the Council’s clear vision to deliver effective, high-quality services and support, encouraging growth that benefits everyone and delivering targeted support to encourage fairness and opportunity.  This is underpinned by the well-established Knowsley Better Together principles, which unify communities, organisations and businesses, working together to pool ideas, expertise and resources and achieve more than they could alone.

Knowsley Council refuses to be deterred or defined by deprivation or socio-economic challenges.  Its strong leadership has never shied away from taking tough decisions, nor taken its eye off the longer-term vision.  This approach is now reaping rewards with town centres thriving and bucking national trends.

Knowsley is living proof of the impact which a well-managed local authority can have on a place and its people.

The Role

Executive Director (Children’s Services)

Salary/Remuneration: up to £137,831

Are you an experienced and inspirational leader of Children’s Services? If you know how to build services which deliver strong and sustainable outcomes for children and young people, Knowsley could be the right fit for you, and you for us.

Knowsley Council is looking for a children and young people’s champion to join the team and lead the Council’s Children’s Services department on its continuous improvement journey. 

As Council of the Year 2024, Knowsley has been widely recognised as an exemplary local authority with a stable financial grounding and a focused and driven ambition for the future. Joining the Council’s Children’s Services team at this crucial time in its improvement journey will give you an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people here. 

As our Executive Director (Children's Services), you will do your utmost to meet the needs and aspirations of all children and young people across the Borough in all of our diverse communities and deliver the Council’s strategic priorities across Children’s Services. This includes giving education, inclusion, SEND and children’s social care equal status within a holistic approach.  You will provide expert advice on statutory functions and practice to the Chief Executive, Executive Management Team, and Elected Members.

As a key member of the Executive Management Team, you will support the Chief Executive, Executive Directors and Elected Members to achieve the Council’s vision of supporting all residents to thrive. We can offer you a portfolio to match your skills and link our ambition with yours.
Knowsley Council offers all of its staff a supportive, values-led working environment, where integrity, accountability, communication, respect and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.  You will have access to a wide range of benefits, including investment in your development, hybrid working, free car parking and flexible working.

James Duncan - Chief Executive, Councillor Graham Morgan - Leader of the Council and Hilary Brooks - Interim Executive Director (Children's Services) would like to share their messages with you about this important role.

Recruitment Timeline - Key Dates

  • Closing date is 7 November 2025
  • Longlisting will take place 10/11 November 2025.
  • Technical Interview (remote) 18 November 2025
  • Panel Interviews (in person) 25 November 2025.
  • Employment and Appointments Committee (in person) 26 November 2025.

Supporting Information

Hear what our team have to say about working for Knowsley

Chat with us