Build the future. Shape lives. Lead change.



West Surrey Council is one of the most significant new local authorities to be created in a generation.



From April 2027, six existing councils will come together to form a new unitary authority serving communities across Guildford, Waverley, Woking, Surrey Heath, Runnymede and Spelthorne. This is a rare opportunity to help create a new organisation from the ground up and ensure children, young people and families are at the heart of its future.



Reporting to
Susan Halliwell, Chief Executive , you will be the statutory
Director of Children's Services and a key member of the Corporate Leadership Team. Beyond leading a high-performing portfolio, you will play a central role in shaping the culture, ambition and identity of a major new authority.



We are seeking an exceptional leader with the vision, credibility and drive to lead children's services and education through a period of transformation and opportunity. You will bring deep professional expertise alongside the ability to operate as a strategic corporate and system leader, building partnerships, influencing outcomes and helping to shape the future of public services across West Surrey.




We are looking for:

• A proven senior leader within children's services.


• A deep understanding of statutory children's social care responsibilities.


• Experience of transformation, improvement and partnership working.


• The ability to lead within complex political and organisational environments.


• A collaborative leader who thrives as part of a high-performing executive team.


• The ambition, resilience and energy to help build something new.

Why West Surrey?



Few roles offer the opportunity to shape a new authority from the outset. This is a chance to influence culture, create a lasting legacy and help define how a major council supports children, young people and families for decades to come.



West Surrey is looking for leaders who are excited by possibility, comfortable with ambiguity and motivated by public service.




Build the future. Lead the difference. Join West Surrey.




About Local Government Reorganisation



Local government in Surrey is changing to make services simpler, more connected and better able to respond to local needs. From April 2027, Surrey County Council and the existing district and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities: East Surrey and West Surrey.



West Surrey Council will bring together responsibility for essential local services including children's services, adult social care, housing, planning, highways, public health, environmental services, leisure and community services.



Alongside this, Surrey is working with government on plans to secure greater devolution and unlock new opportunities for local decision-making, investment and growth.



For a confidential discussion contact
Kembi.Coakelin@GatenbySanderson.com or
Sandra.Jones@GatenbySanderson.com



Find out more at
www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk



Closing date: Sunday 8th November 2026



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About the employer

• Surrey County Council ILACs report


• Surrey County Council Area SEND inspection


• Future Surrey LGR Hub


• West Surrey Council vision

Contacts

Kembi Coakelin: 07778 364 191 Sandra Jones: 07826 404091


Recruitment Timetable



Closing date

Sunday 8 November - 11.59pm



Long listing

W/C 9th November 2026



Preliminary interviews

W/C 16th November 2026



Short listing

W/C 23rd November 2026



Final panel

W/C 30th November 2026




How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.


• Detail any employment or education gaps.


• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.


• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.


• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com