Job Description
Executive Director – Children, Young People and Partnerships
Directorate People and Partnerships
Grade Chief Officer
Salary £125,364
Location Dalkeith and throughout Midlothian
Midlothian is the fastest growing local authority in Scotland and we are looking for a new Executive Director, Children, Young People and Partnerships who is passionate about improving outcomes for our children and young people.
We are ambitious for our children and young people, and you will lead the ongoing implementation of our world-class education strategy which is designed to create excellence and equity.
This role reports to the Chief Executive and is supported by the Chief Officer Children Services, Partnerships and Communities and the Education Chief Operating Officer to deliver inclusive services for children and young people across Midlothian. Our Directorate vision is that:
“All children, young people, adults, and communities in Midlothian are supported to be the best they can be. This will be achieved through a nurturing, respectful and collaborative approach that promotes wellbeing, equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning.”
This position requires an astute leader with a proven track record of sustained success at a senior level. You must also be able to demonstrate your experience of improving outcomes, and successfully initiating, implementing and delivering substantial transformational change programmes through visible leadership.
Over the next few years, you will be involved in the following key projects within the directorate:
- Lead and manage planned and future transformative learning estate projects.
- Be the strategic lead for the delivery of the Local Child Poverty Action Plan in partnership with key council services and external partners.
- Lead on increasing attainment and achievement for all Midlothian learners
Our recruitment pack provides full details of the essential and desirable criteria we are looking for candidates to possess.
Under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 this post is politically restricted.
Applications must be received by 15th December 2025
Assessment Centre – 15th January 2026
Final Interview – 5th February 2026
Requirements
Position Title: Executive Director – Children, Young People and Partnerships
Directorate: Children, Young People and Partnerships
Location: Dalkeith and throughout Midlothian
Contract Status: Permanent
Working Pattern: The hours worked will be those required to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Weeks per year: 52
Based on 36 hours over 52 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £125,364 per annum.
Responsibilities
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children.
Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children, You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
The Individual
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk to discuss with member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
