DCS Leadership programmes

Training programmes for aspiring or newly appointed Directors of Children's Services.

Overview

The DCS Leadership programme offers development programmes to encourage new and aspiring Directors of Children’s Services (DCS) to become inspirational leaders of teams supporting children and families.

The programme is funded by the Department for Education.

The Aspirant Directors Programme

This programme is for leaders who aim to become Directors of Children’s Services in the next three years.

You should have at least three years’ senior leadership experience in local authority children’s services (equivalent to tier two or three) or related sectors.

For	Assistant directors, strategic social workers
Duration	7 months
Time commitment	About 10 days
Cost	Free except for travel for residentials and optional accreditation
Delivered by	The Staff College, The Institute of Public Care, Skills for Care and GatenbySanderson
Apply or find out more	Aspirant Directors Programme

The New Directors Programme

The New Directors Programme is for local authority Directors of Children's Services who are new to their role.

For	Directors of Children's Services
Duration	12 months
Time commitment	No mandatory time commitment
Cost	Free except for travel for residentials
Delivered by	The Staff College, The Institute of Public Care, Skills for Care and GatenbySanderson
Apply or find out more	New Directors Programme

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These resources have been developed by Department for Education.
Published: 18 September 2023
Last updated: 21 November 2025