Assistant Director Standards, Safeguarding and Partnerships

Assistant Director Standards, Safeguarding and Partnerships

Full time/Fixed Term for 1 year

Hybrid Working 

SMG 2: £85,175 pa rising in annual increments to £101,934 pa incl. LW. 

About Us:

It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth. To deliver on these ambitions, we have embarked our transformational One Lambeth Programme ensuring we are ‘connected by purpose,’ in everything we do to deliver excellence. We are proud to have recently developed a refreshed set of One Lambeth Values and Behaviours that were developed for staff by staff; Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability. For more information, please have a look at our dedicated One Lambeth Values and Behaviours page. 

About the Borough:

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community.

With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.

About the Role:

Are you a visionary education leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people? Lambeth Council is seeking an exceptional individual to join us as Assistant Director of Education and Learning, a pivotal role at the heart of our commitment to excellence in education.

As Assistant Director, you will report directly to the Director of Education and Learning and play a key role in shaping and delivering high-quality education services across Lambeth. You will be a senior leader within the Education and Learning Division and the wider Children’s Services directorate, working collaboratively to drive forward school improvement, champion safeguarding, and ensure the highest standards in our schools and settings.

This is a strategic leadership role with a broad remit. You will oversee the delivery and development of the Lambeth Schools Partnership (LSP), provide robust monitoring and challenge to all education providers, and ensure schools are well supported and prepared for inspection. You will also lead on safeguarding in education, manage the Virtual School for Children Looked After, and be responsible for several traded services, including our music service.

Key Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Director of Education and Learning and lead across the division and Children’s Services.
• Provide monitoring and challenge to all schools and settings, regardless of governance, escalating concerns where appropriate.
• Lead the Lambeth Schools Partnership, enhancing collaboration between schools and improving educational outcomes.
• Oversee quality assurance and school improvement processes
• Ensure effective safeguarding across all schools and settings in partnership with safeguarding leads and external partners.
• Support school governance and ensure schools are inspection-ready.
• Lead the borough’s Virtual School, driving achievement for Children Looked After.
• Deliver and develop traded education services, including the borough’s music service.
• Lead or coordinate borough-wide education programmes in line with council priorities and cooperative values.
• Stay abreast of national and local policy, legislation, and best practice.

To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence:

We’re looking for an experienced, forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of the education landscape and a proven track record in school improvement, safeguarding, and strategic leadership. You will be adept at working across complex systems, managing high-performing teams, and building strong partnerships with schools, governors, and external stakeholders.

You will have:

• Senior leadership experience in education, preferably in a local authority or multi-agency context.
• A thorough knowledge of education legislation, policy, and inspection frameworks.
• Expertise in school improvement, governance, and safeguarding.
• Strong partnership-building skills and the ability to lead through influence and collaboration.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and the best outcomes for all children — especially those who are vulnerable or underachieving

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification in hyperlink below:

JD and Person Specification

Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information about the DBS can be found at  www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs.

In addition, you will also be required to undertake a Cifas check from the Fraud Prevention organisation. Further information can be found here Cifas.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sophie Garner at sgarner@lambeth.gov.uk.

Recruitment Timelines:

Closing date: 23^rd November 2025 at midnight

Benefits:

We believe in rewarding our staff. When you join us, you'll gain access to a range of benefits, including:

·       Participation in our 5 Staff Networks: Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic, LGBTQ+, Disability, Young Professionals, and Women's.

·       Generous annual leave entitlement starting from 27 days, increasing to up to 35 days depending on length of service.

·       Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.

·       Hybrid Working.

·       Employee Assistance Programme.

·       Occupational Sick Pay based on length of service.

·       Discounts at local restaurants.

·       Discount at our Active Lambeth Gyms.

·       Learning and Development opportunities, including Apprenticeships.

·       Cycle to Work Scheme.

·       Secure Bike Storage facilities at our Town Hall and Civic Centre.

·       Trade Union Membership.

How to Apply:

If you're interest in this opportunity, click on the apply button and complete an online application.

In your supporting statement, please clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an 'A' at shortlist stage.

We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.

At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role. For a full list of our accreditations, pleas