At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality assurance to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people.
- Company: Join Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, praised for strong leadership and innovative Family Hubs.
- Benefits: Permanent position with a competitive salary and a commitment to professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to innovate and improve social care practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Registered with SWE and experienced in social work leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
Following our 'Good' Ofsted achievement in 2025, this is a great opportunity to join a department that has been praised by Ofsted for strong leadership, dedicated teams, and innovative Family Hubs, which reflects our commitment to building happier, healthier communities where every child can thrive. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is determined to provide consistently high-quality support and services for our children and families in line with our vision.
About the Role
As the Head of Service for Safeguarding and Quality Assurance you will have lead responsibility for our workforce development and improvement agenda, quality assurance framework, and leading our independent chairs to effectively support practice and ensure the best outcomes for children and young people are being achieved.
Responsibilities
- Lead responsibility for workforce development and improvement agenda.
- Oversee quality assurance framework.
- Lead independent chairs to support practice.
- Ensure best outcomes for children and young people.
- Understand the impact of social work practice.
- Support the Director of Children's Services in leading direction and continuous improvement.
- Utilize a strong evidence-based approach for safeguarding unit responsibilities.
- Build networks and working relationships with key partners such as health, education, and the Police.
- Fulfill the role of the Principal Social Worker.
- Coach and mentor newly qualified social workers.
- Maintain a person-centred perspective in working arrangements.
Qualifications
- To be registered with SWE.
- Experience in these areas and a commitment to leading high standards and improving practice.
Required Skills
- Strong leadership skills.
- Ability to develop and oversee excellent social work practice.
- Experience in coaching and mentoring.
- Understanding of legal parameters in social care.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with systemic practice models.
- Ability to innovate and improve outcomes for children.
Pay range and compensation package: Permanent, 37 hours per week.
For more information about this role, please contact Jo Siddle, Strategic Director for Children and Education via email: joanne.siddle@blackburn.gov.uk
Head of Service - Safeguarding & Assurance in Burnley employer: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from opportunities to lead impactful initiatives that directly improve the lives of children and families in the community. The council's dedication to high-quality services and collaborative partnerships ensures a fulfilling career path for those passionate about safeguarding and social work.
Contact Detail:
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Safeguarding & Assurance in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the safeguarding and assurance field. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in safeguarding and quality assurance. Familiarise yourself with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s recent achievements and challenges. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! As a potential Head of Service, you’ll need to demonstrate your vision for workforce development and improvement. Think about how you can articulate your ideas clearly and confidently during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to support children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Safeguarding & Assurance in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Service role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in safeguarding and quality assurance.
Showcase Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for children and young people. Share examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles, especially in workforce development and mentoring.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application is processed efficiently and allows us to keep track of all candidates easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest safeguarding practices and quality assurance frameworks. Brush up on relevant legislation and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities, especially in workforce development and mentoring. Think of specific situations where you’ve led teams or improved practices, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Build Connections
Familiarise yourself with key partners like health, education, and the Police. Be prepared to discuss how you would build and maintain these relationships to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people.
✨Person-Centred Approach
Emphasise your commitment to a person-centred perspective in social work. Share examples of how you’ve put this into practice, as it’s crucial for the role and shows your dedication to improving lives.
