Head of Commissioning for Childrens and Community

(Salary: Up to £92,483)

Lead Commissioning for Children and Communities in Walsall

Walsall Council is investing in a new, integrated commissioning model that puts people and place at the heart of service design. As part of this transformation, we’re recruiting a Head of Children and Community Commissioning to lead commissioning across children’s services, early intervention, community development, and the voluntary and community sector.

This is a strategic leadership role, responsible for shaping services that support children, young people, families, and communities ensuring they are inclusive, preventative, and designed to meet local needs.

 What You’ll Do:

• Lead commissioning for children’s social care, education, early intervention, and community development.

• Develop services that promote prevention, resilience, and independence.

• Work with providers and partners to ensure high quality, responsive services.

• Analyse data and market capacity to inform future service models.

• Champion innovation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate across sectors to deliver integrated, impactful support.

 We’re seeking a strategic, collaborative leader with:

• Proven experience in commissioning for children’s services and communities.

• Strong understanding of partnership working and voluntary sector engagement.

• Ability to lead transformation and deliver measurable outcomes.

• Commercial acumen and a focus on value for money.

• A commitment to inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.

 Why Walsall?

• Transformational Vision: Be part of a newly invested commissioning team.

• Collaborative Culture: Work across health, education, housing, and community sectors.

• Impactful Work: Shape services that support children and strengthen communities.

• Supportive Environment: Hybrid working and a culture of development and inclusion.

This is a unique opportunity to lead change and make a lasting difference in the lives of Walsall’s children and communities.

For a confidential discussion, please contact our colleagues at Tile Hill, Anita Denton 07725 554 802 (anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk) or Helen Alwell 07931 543 313 (helen.alwell@tile-hill.co.uk) from you!

Closing date for applications: Midnight, Sunday 19th October

Kerrie Allward - Executive Director Adult Social Care and Health

Kerrie is the Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Public Health.

Kerrie started with the Council on 29th February 2016 (a leap year) so she has only had one work anniversary, but she has actually been in Walsall for nearly 7 years. She started as the Director of Commissioning and moved to become Executive Director in May 2020.

Kerrie is a qualified social worker with over 25 years of working in health and social care, with 15 years of senior and strategic management working in both health and social care organisations. This is within operational delivery, commissioning and programme management roles

When asked how she likes to relax, Kerrie said 'I ought to lie as Public Health sits in my portfolio, but I love to relax with a glass of wine and a good book – most preferably in a tropical climate.'

More information about Kerrie is available on her LinkedIn page here.