Children's services governance adviser

The Local Government Association (LGA) is recruiting up to two experienced Children's Services Governance Advisers to support local councils across nine regions. Working with elected members, senior officers, and system partners, you will strengthen governance arrangements for children's services and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) delivery. Your responsibilities will include helping councils manage significant organisational or system changes, such as implementing Children's Social Care reforms, SEND reform, local government reorganisation, and partnership restructuring. You will provide direct support to corporate and political leaders, scrutiny committees, and corporate parenting boards. This role requires strong professional credibility, excellent political awareness, and substantial experience in children's services governance or partnership governance systems. Contracts run from commencement until 31 March 2027, with a potential one-year extension at the LGA's discretion. The role comprises up to 60 days of support per contract and involves a mix of virtual and face-to-face delivery, with occasional evening commitments. Key service areas include governance improvement and diagnostic support, political leadership and member development, partnership governance and system leadership, relationship and network building, and contributing to the LGA's wider improvement offer.