At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce development initiatives to improve children's services across the North West.
- Company: Blackpool Council, dedicated to enhancing children's services in the region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and opportunity for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior leaders and drive innovative workforce solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59000 - 64000 £ per year.
Contract Type
Secondment
Salary
Closing Date
Help Shape the Future of Children's Services Across the North West
We are seeking an exceptional children’s services professional to drive regional workforce development across children's services at a pivotal time of national reform.
This is a unique opportunity to work alongside senior children’s services leaders and influence how the children's workforce develops across the North West, working with local authorities and partner organisations to strengthen recruitment, retention, skills development and workforce stability.
The successful candidate will lead a programme of high-profile workforce improvement projects, supporting the implementation of children's social care reform and helping ensure the region is equipped to meet future workforce challenges.
If you are passionate about improving services for children, young people and families and have a strong professional track record in early help, family support, education, youth services or another child-focused service area, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
As the North West Children's Services Workforce Development Lead you will work closely with the lead Director for Children’s Services for Workforce for the North West.
You will engage collaboratively across local authorities and partner organisations to drive and deliver innovative workforce solutions that support better outcomes for children and families.
You will use workforce intelligence, evidence and sector insight to identify opportunities, address challenges and develop sustainable approaches to workforce planning and development.
You will play a key role in shaping how children's services responds to reform, develops talent and builds a resilient workforce for the future.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Leading regional children’s services workforce programmes focused on recruitment, retention, workforce stability and employee engagement.
- Supporting workforce planning and using data and intelligence to identify current and future workforce challenges.
- Providing leadership for workforce initiatives linked to children's social care reform.
- Developing innovative approaches to attract and retain talented professionals across children's services.
- Strengthening workforce capability through learning, development and leadership initiatives.
- Building strong relationships with directors, senior leaders, workforce leads and partner organisations across the region.
- Managing complex projects from planning through to implementation and evaluation.
- Facilitating regional networks, events and communities of practice.
- Representing the North West on regional and national workforce forums.
About You
We are looking for someone with significant experience within children's services and a strong understanding of workforce development and improvement.
You will be able to demonstrate
- A professional background in social work, early help, family support, education, youth services or a related children's service.
- Strong experience of workforce, organisational development, transformation or service improvement programmes.
- A strong understanding of recruitment, retention, workforce planning and workforce development.
- Experience of managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Knowledge of current children's services policy and reform agendas.
- The ability to influence and build effective relationships with senior leaders and partners.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to use evidence and data to drive improvement.
Desirable
- Social Work qualification and registration, or another relevant professional qualification.
- Project management qualification such as PRINCE2, MSP or Agile.
- Experience of regional partnership working.
- Experience of workforce initiatives linked to children's social care reform.
Why Apply?
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a high-profile role and make a lasting impact for children and families across the North West during a period of significant change for children's services.
You will have the chance to
- Influence workforce development across an entire region.
- Work alongside directors and senior leaders from across children's services.
- Shape innovative responses to national reform.
- Drive improvements that support better outcomes for children, young people and families.
- Contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of the children's services workforce.
Join us and help shape the future workforce that supports children, young people and families across the North West.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
North West Children's Services Workforce Development Lead NEW Blackpool Council Blackpool and F[...] employer: Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd.
Blackpool Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families through its innovative Family Hubs. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and a focus on meaningful community impact, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a difference while enjoying flexible working hours and additional benefits. Join a passionate team that values collaboration and strives for excellence in early help services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land North West Children's Services Workforce Development Lead NEW Blackpool Council Blackpool and F[...]
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd., but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace North West Children's Services Workforce Development Lead NEW Blackpool Council Blackpool and F[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd.. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd.. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd.
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd..
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary North West Children's Services Workforce Development Lead NEW Blackpool Council Blackpool and F[...] role at Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd., so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd. that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
