At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding quality assurance systems and influence strategic decision-making.
- Company: Dynamic local authority focused on children's safety and quality outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and immediate impact.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for immediate visibility and influence.
- Why this job: Make a tangible difference in children's lives and shape safeguarding practices.
- Qualifications: Senior-level safeguarding experience and strong leadership skills.
2‐month contract | Start ASAP
£500–£550 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working (2 days on site)
Step into a pivotal leadership role where your expertise will directly influence the safety, quality and outcomes for children and young people across a complex multi‐agency landscape. As Head of Safeguarding & Quality Assurance you will report into the Director of Children and Families and play a central role in shaping, challenging and improving safeguarding practice at both strategic and operational level.
This is a high‐impact contract with immediate visibility, clear priorities and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy within a short timeframe. You will be trusted as a senior safeguarding authority, advising leaders and partners, driving quality assurance, and ensuring that the voice of children and young people is embedded in everything you do. With inspections, performance and partnership effectiveness firmly in focus, this is a role for someone who thrives on pace, influence and accountability.
Your role as Head of Safeguarding & Quality Assurance:
- Lead safeguarding quality assurance systems that drive high standards of practice for vulnerable children and those in care
- Provide expert safeguarding advice across the council and multi‐agency partnership, influencing strategic decision‐making
- Use performance data and insight to challenge practice, set targets and plan focused inspection activity
- Strengthen multi‐agency partnership working, ensuring statutory responsibilities are delivered to a high standard
- Champion the voice of children and young people, ensuring it shapes service delivery and improvement activity
Your previous experience as Head of Safeguarding & Quality Assurance:
- Senior‐level safeguarding experience within children's services, ideally in a local authority setting
- Proven inspection and improvement leadership, with confidence managing readiness, responses and outcomes
- Strong understanding of quality assurance frameworks, performance management and practice auditing
- Experience influencing complex stakeholder environments, including elected members and partner agencies
- Credibility as a leader and advisor, able to challenge constructively and drive measurable improvement
This is a fast‐moving opportunity with an immediate start, offering autonomy, influence and the chance to make a tangible difference quickly. If you are ready to step into a visible leadership role and deliver impact from day one, this Head of Safeguarding & Quality Assurance contract is ready for you.
If you're interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who may be a strong fit, please contact Sarah Macrae on 0117 313 7110 or apply today.
(A senior referral scheme is available upon successful placement of your recommendation.)
Our clients are committed to building a diverse workforce. Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills, and any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the application and hiring process.
Head of Safeguarding & QA in Taunton employer: Baltimore Consulting
Join a forward-thinking local authority in the South West, where your role as Head of Safeguarding & Quality Assurance will not only shape the future of safeguarding practices but also ensure the voices of children and young people are at the heart of service delivery. With a commitment to high standards and a collaborative work culture, this position offers you the chance to make a significant impact in a supportive environment that values diversity and professional growth. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working while leading vital initiatives that drive quality assurance and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safeguarding & QA in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the safeguarding and quality assurance field. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and don’t hesitate to ask for introductions or insights about potential roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the local authority's recent initiatives and challenges in safeguarding. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced change and improved practices in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with multi-agency partnerships can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safeguarding & QA in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Safeguarding & Quality Assurance role. Highlight your senior-level safeguarding experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to influence and drive improvement in children's services.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your leadership capabilities. We want to see how you've successfully managed teams and influenced complex stakeholder environments. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact in previous roles.
Highlight Your Understanding of Quality Assurance:Demonstrate your strong understanding of quality assurance frameworks and performance management. We’re looking for someone who can challenge practice effectively, so include any relevant experiences that show your expertise in this area.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in safeguarding practices and quality assurance frameworks. Brush up on the latest legislation and best practices in children's services, as this will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've influenced strategic decision-making in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your leadership has driven measurable improvements in safeguarding practices.
✨Engage with the Multi-Agency Approach
Understand the importance of multi-agency partnerships in safeguarding. Think about how you can strengthen these relationships and be prepared to share your ideas on fostering collaboration across different stakeholders.
✨Champion the Voice of Children
Be ready to discuss how you’ve previously ensured that the voices of children and young people are heard in service delivery. This is crucial for the role, so think of concrete examples that highlight your commitment to putting their needs first.
