Merton is entering an exciting period of change and innovation. We are seeking a Head of Service to guide our early years and family wellbeing system, champion best practice, and drive improvement across partners.
If you bring strategic insight, financial awareness, and a commitment to tackling inequality through early help and expert support, this could be your next step.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Merton, in southwest London, encompasses the areas of Mitcham, Morden and Wimbledon, and has a vibrant, growing population of more than 220,000 residents.
As a borough, Merton is going places — with an exciting and ambitious plan for the future; a raft of community improvements already underway; and some of the best sporting heritage in the world. The aim is to generate civic pride, build a sustainable borough, and become London's first-ever Borough of Sport.
For further information about us please visit our website and watch the video with our council plan.
Visit Merton Council → Our ValuesOur aspiration is to build a better Merton together, putting the needs of our residents at the heart of everything we do — a place with affordable homes, vibrant high streets, good schools, and safe neighbourhoods where everyone feels connected, celebrated, and involved.
At Merton Council, our staff values unite us and underpin everything we do. Please watch the video below which features our staff talking about our Merton Council values.
Merton stands proudly as an Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' authority. But it is our mindset that truly sets us apart — we are a learning organisation, reflective in our practice, ambitious in our vision, and relentless in our belief that strong, joined-up early support changes lives.
"The publication of the Government's White Paper marks a pivotal moment for Early Years and Early Help. It demands leaders who can shape the future, not just respond to it."
In Merton, that means crafting a locally rooted approach that embraces national ambition, strengthens inclusion, and recognises that supporting children with SEND is not the responsibility of a few — but an essential thread running through every educational and social care role.
This is a role of genuine system leadership. You will be integral to the next phase of our Family First Partnership — an end-to-end redesign of how families experience support. You will lead the evolution of our Best Start in Life offer, ensuring every child is met with high-quality, evidence-informed early years provision. And you will guide the maturation of our early help approach, working across a rich multi-agency landscape that includes health, education, safeguarding partners, the voluntary sector and central government.
With oversight of seven teams, around 150 skilled professionals and a combined revenue and capital budget of approximately £30m, you will need strong financial grip, strategic clarity and the confidence to navigate complexity.
Above all, we are looking for a leader with moral purpose — someone who understands that the work begins and ends with children and families, and who has the creativity and courage to help us deliver the next chapter of our ambition.
For further information please contact Simon Winspear at our recruitment partners at Hays — 07525 466 357.
Read the full role details
Review this microsite carefully to understand the scope and expectations of this exciting leadership opportunity.
Contact our recruitment partner
For an initial, confidential conversation contact Simon Winspear at Hays on 07525 466 357. He's happy to discuss the role before you apply.
Submit your application
Send your CV and a covering letter ahead of the closing date: 23:55 on Monday 4th May 2026.
Interview process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with details of the interview and assessment process in due course.
