Professional development

• Aspirant DCS Programme
  • Who is the Aspirant DCS Programme for?
  • Programme details
  • Information for sponsors
  • Benefits
  • Costs
  • Apply
  • Dates and locations
  • Partnership working
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Contact details
  • Appeals

Aspirant DCS Programme

The Aspirant DCS Programme contributes to children's services leadership by focusing on those who aspire to the role of director of children's services (DCS).

The programme will support participants' development as influential leaders who can inspire outstanding service delivery. The aim of the programme is to create a pool of candidates with the necessary desire, knowledge, capability and experience to be considered for the role of DCS.

Key facts

• The programme has been designed by the National College with its partners, the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) and the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC), and supported by the Virtual Staff College.
• The programme is open to individuals who have worked in some aspect of children's services at a senior level.

Duration

Programme duration will be between 12 and 18 months in order to provide flexibility for individual participants.

Delivery method

Participants will be offered a variety of learning methods including online, residential activity, small group work, work-based experiences and action learning sets. This will enable participants to develop a highly personalised learning journey that reflects their personal learning style, professional and personal circumstances, as well as meeting their individual learning and development needs.

Who can apply?

Individuals who aspire to the role of DCS and who have worked in some aspect of children’s services at assistant director level or equivalent. Participants on the programme will be highly committed to becoming a DCS and will envisage applying for a DCS post between 12 and 18 months from their application for the programme. Those who feel they meet this criteria and will be able to commit the time (typically 12 to 18 months) to complete the programme in full, will require sponsorship from their line manager or other appropriate senior colleague.

Next application round

The current application round is now closed. Further guidance for applicants is still available.