How to apply

This guidance contains important information to help with your application:

  • Please apply by submitting a CV and Covering Letter (no more than four sides of A4 in length per document aligned to the person specification). Please also include your contact details.
  • Please ensure your full employment history is outlined in your CV; and that where there are essential criteria, competencies and/or qualifications you make clear how you meet these. We may wish to verify this information during the recruitment process.
  • Please ensure that the file name of your CV and supporting statement includes your full name.
  • Please provide the details of two referees in your CV. Note that we will only approach referees for candidates proceeding to final selection and only with your permission. Please clearly indicate whether we can approach each referee before the selection date.
  • Please share with us in your supporting statement, the values and behaviours that you bring to your leadership, and how you will transfer your skills and experience into this role.
  • If you have a long-term health condition or disability and would like your application to be considered in accordance with a Disability Confident Scheme, please email: execapplications@penna.com, to inform the Penna team.
  • Please return your application by the closing date – no applications will be accepted once the long listing process has begun.
  • Following long listing, you will be contacted directly by a Penna consultant to update you on the status of your application.
  • At any point throughout the process our retained consultants at Penna will be happy to help you with information, insight and guidance about the process and our clients.

The following timetable sets out the key dates in the recruitment process:

Activity

Date

Closing Date

Midnight on Sunday 28th June 2026

Longlist Meeting (Candidates not required)

W/C 29th June 2026

Preliminary Technical Interviews (virtual)

W/C 6th July 2026

Shortlist Meeting (Candidates not required)

Friday 10th July 2026

Assessment Panels/ Final interviews (in person)

W/C 27th July 2026

 

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at Penna:

Apply for the Corporate Director for Children's Services role