Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Health

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Lead system change. Champion independence. Improve lives.

Lewisham is defined by its ambition, inclusivity, collaboration accountability and trust. We’re looking for an Executive Director of Adult Social Care & Health who can translate those values into outstanding outcomes for our residents.

As a key member of our Executive Management Team, you’ll help deliver the Mayor’s priorities and corporate objectives, bringing a clear focus on prevention, safeguarding and value for money. You’ll challenge silo working, strengthen integration across health and care, and ensure robust safeguarding practice.

What’s the role?

As the statutory Director of Adult Social Services, you’ll provide expert advice to Members and the Chief Executive, ensure compliance with the Care Act 2014, and lead our CQC assurance work. You will drive early intervention strategies that promote independence, choice and control.

You’ll lead a modern, inclusive directorate spanning adult social care, public health and integrated commissioning, and build strong partnerships across the NHS, the voluntary and community sector and wider public services. You’ll develop operational capability, grow a confident workforce, and embed rigorous performance and financial management to achieve equitable outcomes.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks
  
  

What We’re Looking For

You’re an experienced systems leader with deep knowledge of adult social care. You bring clarity of purpose, political acumen, and the confidence to advise Members, influence partners and inspire teams. You have a strong track record of budget management, service transformation and partnership commissioning, and a commitment to equality, diversity and anti-racist practice.

Most importantly, you’re driven to secure excellent outcomes for adults and carers from prevention and early help to high quality support for those with complex needs.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous, and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact our retained partners at GatenbySanderson: Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) or Alex Hayes (alex.hayes@gatenbysanderson.com).

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply for the role.

Salary

£166,755 to £173,133 per annum (DIR 1)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply .

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works , which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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