Head of Sufficiency (Childrens Social Care)

About the role We are recruiting an Interim Head of Sufficiency to provide senior strategic leadership and operational oversight of our placement sufficiency programme. The postholder will drive delivery of the Sufficiency Action Plan, strengthen cross-department alignment, and ensure sufficiency activity translates into improved outcomes for children and measurable financial impact. What success looks like Clear line of sight from the Sufficiency Action Plan to governance, reporting, risks, decisions, and measurable impact. Reduced reliance on residential provision through stronger fostering sufficiency and sharper pathways to step-down, stability, and reunification where safe and appropriate. Stronger market management with consistent provider engagement, improved negotiation, and decisions grounded in needs and affordability. Forecasting and benefits tracking that supports real-time decision-making and drives delivery in line with our Valuing Care Approach. About you You will be a credible senior leader with a strong track record in children''s social care sufficiency, placements, commissioning, market management, and performance oversight. The role reports to the Director for Corporate Parenting and Quality and provides senior leadership to the Sufficiency Core Group, supporting robust reporting and governance through the Sufficiency Board. Stoke-on-Trent has many areas of strong practice. However, the current level of demand and the number of children in care create ..... full job details .....