Terms and conditions: Full time, Permanent, 37 hours per week
Department: People, Adults & Health
Closing Date: 22nd November 2026
Shortlisting Date: 23rd November 2026
Proposed interview date: 30th November
Help shape the future of commissioning in Blackburn with Darwen
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council as our Service Lead - Live Well.
This is a senior and influential role within our Commissioning Team with responsibility for leading the strategic direction, transformation and delivery of our Live Well commissioning programme. The portfolio includes services and support for people with mental health needs, people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse or other forms of vulnerability.
You will be an integral member of our senior commissioning leadership team, working alongside our Start Well and Age Well Service Leads and reporting to the Head of Commissioning. You will also develop strong working relationships with colleagues across Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Public Health, housing and the wider Council, as well as NHS, provider and voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise partners.
A team that has moved from development into delivery
This is an exciting time to join our Commissioning Team. Following a significant period of development and expansion, the team is now fully staffed and embedded within the wider Adults and Health Directorate.
The focus is now on building on our foundations. Major programmes are underway to review and reshape supported living, care at home, mental health pathways and other key areas of provision. The successful candidate will therefore join a team with a clear direction, strong foundations and a significant programme of work already underway. You will have a real opportunity to influence what comes next.
What you will do
As Live Well Service Lead, you will:
- provide visible and effective leadership for the Live Well commissioning programme and the staff working across it;
- work with people with lived experience, carers, communities and partners to co-produce commissioning strategies and future service models;
- lead the strategic review and redevelopment of supported living and other key areas within the Live Well portfolio;
- build effective partnerships across the Council, the NHS, housing, providers and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector;
What we are looking for
We are looking for an experienced and compassionate leader who can think strategically, build strong relationships and turn ambition into delivery.
You will bring:
- significant commissioning, service redesign or strategic service development experience;
- a strong understanding of adult social care, health, Public Health, housing-related support or services for people who may be vulnerable;
- the ability to work constructively through challenge, influence senior stakeholders and bring people with you; and
- a clear commitment to co-production, equality and securing better outcomes for local people.
We are interested in candidates from a range of relevant backgrounds. You may currently work in local government, the NHS, a provider organisation or the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. What matters is that you understand strategic commissioning, can lead complex change and share our commitment to getting services right for local people.
Why Blackburn with Darwen?
At Blackburn with Darwen, our size is one of our strengths. We are large enough to offer complex, ambitious and professionally rewarding work, but small enough for you to build direct relationships with senior leaders, partners, providers and local services.
If you are looking for a senior role where you can shape strategy, lead major transformation and make a visible difference to local people, we would like to hear from you.
Find out more
For an informal discussion about the role or the Commissioning Team, please contact:
Matthew Logan, Head of Commissioning
Email: matthew.logan@blackburn.gov.uk
Telephone: 01254 585583
Service Lead - Live Well in Blackburn employer: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Blackburn With Darwen Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and community impact. As part of our legal team, you will have the opportunity to lead and mentor while working on vital social care and education matters, all within a forward-thinking local authority committed to making a difference in people's lives.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Recruitment Team
