At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop high-quality care services, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
- Company: McSence Group, a community-owned social enterprise with a strong local impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £80,000 plus benefits and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a values-driven organisation committed to community wellbeing and personal dignity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of care services.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in domiciliary care and strong financial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
Midlothian (with services across Midlothian, the Borders and Edinburgh) / Hybrid working
£80,000 + benefits
The McSence Group is an award-winning, community-owned social enterprise with deep roots in Midlothian. Established in 1988 in response to major economic change, McSence has grown into a diverse organisation delivering care, property, training and economic development services, with all profits reinvested into local communities.
McSence's care services play a vital role in supporting older people and adults to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. The organisation currently delivers around 6,000 hours of care per week, with ambitious plans for significant growth over the next five years as part of its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.
The Role
McSence is now seeking an experienced, inspirational Head of Care to lead the strategic development, quality improvement and future readiness of its care services. Reporting to the Head of Operations and working as part of the Senior Management Team, this role will combine strategic leadership with operational excellence, ensuring the delivery of high‐quality, person‐centred care at scale.
As the service continues to grow, the Head of Care will oversee multiple Care Inspectorate registrations, support and develop Registered Managers, and ensure strong governance, compliance and financial performance across the care division.
The role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of a growing, values‐led care service — balancing commercial acumen with compassion, quality and community impact.
The Head of Care will:
- Lead the delivery of McSence's care strategy, driving sustainable growth in line with the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.
- Ensure consistently high standards of quality, compliance and continuous improvement across all care services.
- Take accountability for the financial performance of the care division, including budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting.
- Support, mentor and develop Registered Managers and leadership teams, building capacity for future growth.
- Act as a visible leader and ambassador for cultural change, embedding McSence's values and person‐centred ethos.
- Represent McSence internally at senior level and externally with commissioners, regulators, partners and stakeholders across the sector.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Significant senior leadership experience within domiciliary care or a closely related care environment.
- A strong track record of leading good or outstanding regulated care services, with deep knowledge of the Care Inspectorate and SSSC frameworks.
- Experience of growing and scaling care services, including tendering for and delivering homecare contracts.
- Commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, P&L and performance reporting.
- An inclusive, values‐led leadership style, with the ability to inspire, influence and develop high‐performing teams.
- Excellent communication and relationship‐building skills, with confidence engaging across multiple stakeholders.
The Opportunity
This is a senior leadership role with genuine scope to make a lasting impact - both on the lives of people receiving care and on the wider communities McSence serves. The Head of Care will play a critical role in shaping a sustainable, high‐quality and growing care service within a well‐established, purpose‐driven social enterprise.
McSence is an inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds who share its commitment to dignity, independence and community wellbeing.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Lauryn Pringle or Debbie Shields at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.
To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter (as one document) below.
Closing date: Monday 16th of February
Head of Care in London employer: Aspen People
The McSence Group is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in the Midlothian community and dedicated to making a positive impact through its award-winning care services. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, McSence offers a supportive work culture that values compassion and quality, alongside competitive benefits and the opportunity to lead meaningful change in the lives of those they serve. As part of a purpose-driven social enterprise, employees can expect to be at the forefront of innovative care solutions while contributing to the wellbeing of their local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Care in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Aspen People.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Aspen People!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Aspen People, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Aspen People or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Care in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Aspen People:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Aspen People! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
