Location
Brixton Hill, London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
SMG 2: £85,175 per annum rising in annual increments to £101,934 per annum including London Weighting

About the Role
It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council as we pursue bold ambitions for the future of our communities and residents through the Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth’. As part of our transformational One Lambeth Programme, we are committed to being ‘connected by purpose’ in everything we do to deliver excellence. Our refreshed One Lambeth Values and Behaviours—Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability—reflect our commitment to staff and service users alike.

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth is a vibrant borough with over 317,600 residents, rich in diversity and culture. From Streatham to Waterloo, Lambeth is home to more than 130 languages, the Windrush generation, London’s largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking population. The borough boasts exceptional schools, green spaces such as Brockwell Park, cultural landmarks like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions including St Thomas's Hospital.

As Assistant Director Standards, Safeguarding and Partnerships, you will be a visionary education leader passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people. Reporting directly to the Director of Education and Learning, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-quality education services across Lambeth. This senior leadership position within the Education and Learning Division and the wider Children’s Services directorate involves driving school improvement, championing safeguarding, and ensuring the highest standards in schools and settings.

Your responsibilities will include deputising for the Director of Education and Learning, leading across the division and Children’s Services, and providing robust monitoring and challenge to all education providers. You will oversee the Lambeth Schools Partnership to enhance collaboration and improve educational outcomes, lead quality assurance and school improvement processes, and ensure effective safeguarding in partnership with internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, you will manage the Virtual School for Children Looked After, deliver traded education services including the borough’s music service, and coordinate borough-wide education programmes aligned with council priorities and values.

Staying informed of national and local policy, legislation, and best practices will be essential to your success in this strategic leadership role.

Experience
- Senior leadership experience in education, preferably within a local authority or multi-agency context
- Proven track record in school improvement, governance, and safeguarding
- Experience working across complex systems and managing high-performing teams
- Strong partnership-building skills with schools, governors, and external stakeholders

About you
- Forward-thinking and visionary leader with a commitment to equity and inclusion
- Dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for all children, especially those who are vulnerable or underachieving
- Able to lead through influence, collaboration, and strategic insight

Qualifications
- Thorough knowledge of education legislation, policy, and inspection frameworks
- Relevant senior leadership qualifications or equivalent experience
- Enhanced DBS clearance and Cifas check will be required upon appointment