At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage children's social work services to ensure safety and positive outcomes.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council's passionate Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and impactful work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with opportunities for innovation and service improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Degree or professional qualification in social work with senior-level experience.
The predicted salary is between 80617 - 92392 € per year.
It’s an exciting time to join Bedford Borough Council’s Children's Services. We want every child in Bedford Borough to be safe and to achieve their potential. We support families in this aim and where necessary act as a Corporate Parent to promote good outcomes for the more vulnerable children and young people from birth through to their 25th birthday. We believe that every family can be supported through evidenced-based approaches to build on their own strengths so they can support themselves. We aim to achieve this by providing access to high-quality, evidenced-based interventions which ensure all children, young people and their families get the right support and action at the right time.
We’re a friendly, supportive, passionate team. Our commitment to creating positive outcomes is second to none, our young people actively help shape the service. What truly sets us apart is our inclusive and supportive culture, where teamwork is celebrated and every voice matters. Our Children’s Services team is known for its welcoming atmosphere and impactful work - staff consistently say how rewarding and fulfilling it is to be part of such a dedicated team.
Following a restructure, we are looking for a suitably qualified and experienced Head of Service to strategically lead and manage the operational delivery of statutory children’s social work services, ensuring that children and young people are safeguarded, their needs are met, and outcomes are improved. You will provide strategic leadership to social work teams, ensuring compliance with legislation, guidance, and best practice, while embedding a culture of high-quality, child-centred practice.
You'll also be an integral part of the senior leadership team, working collaboratively with colleagues across children’s services, the Council, and partners, to drive innovation and service improvement, including budgetary accountability and responsibility. The successful applicant will have a related degree and/or professional qualification and be registered with Social Work England. They will also have substantial experience working at a senior level with children, young people and their families.
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to create an account, upload a CV showing you meet the requirements of the role, and answer some application questions.
Closing Date: 15th June 2026
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If successful you will be required to declare any spent & unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not 'protected' as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020).
The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:
- a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)
- a local government pension (Senior Officers only)
FTE Salary: £80617 - £92393
Work Pattern: Monday to Friday, 37 hours
Is this an enhanced DBS role? Yes
Is this a politically restricted role? No
Is this a customer facing role which requires a fluent English Speaker? Yes
Location: Bedfordshire, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP
Is this a designated car user position? No
Head of Service, Social Work in Bedford employer: Bedford Borough Council
Bedford Borough Council's Children's Services is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member's contributions are valued. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families, employees enjoy meaningful work that makes a real difference in the community. The collaborative culture and emphasis on evidence-based practices ensure that staff are equipped to thrive in their roles while being part of a passionate team that celebrates success together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service, Social Work in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work and children's services. Attend local events or webinars to meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bedford Borough Council’s Children's Services. Understand their values and recent initiatives so you can show how your experience aligns with their mission to support vulnerable children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your leadership style and how you’ve driven service improvements in past roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
When you're ready to apply, do it through our website! It’s straightforward, and you’ll have the chance to showcase your CV and answer application questions that highlight your qualifications for the Head of Service role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service, Social Work in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for children's services shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share your experiences that highlight your commitment to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable young people.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Service, Social Work. Highlight your relevant qualifications, experience, and achievements that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with our mission to provide high-quality, child-centred practice.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully:Take your time to answer the application questions thoroughly. We’re looking for insight into your strategic leadership style and how you would drive innovation within our team. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and approach to service improvement.
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s super easy! Create an account, upload your CV, and fill out the application questions. We can’t wait to see your application and hopefully welcome you to our friendly team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest legislation and best practices in children's social work. Brush up on your knowledge about safeguarding, child-centred practice, and the specific challenges faced by vulnerable children and families in Bedford Borough.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Service, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, driven innovation, or improved service delivery. Highlight how you foster collaboration and inclusivity within your team.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Bedford Borough Council’s goals and values, especially regarding children's services. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to achieving positive outcomes for children and families in the area.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current initiatives, challenges they face, and how they measure success in their services. This will demonstrate your commitment and strategic thinking.
