At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality assurance for children's services in Barnet.
- Company: Join Barnet Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working, and great training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in managing complex services.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
This is for internal candidates only. Please do not apply if you do not work for the London Borough of Barnet.
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. As an organisation, our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.
About the role
At the London Borough of Barnet, we are ambitious for our children and families. We are committed to delivering an integrated, child‑centred and relational approach to Family Help and safeguarding, focused on improving outcomes through excellent practice, strong partnerships and a culture that values innovation, learning and reflective leadership.
The Assistant Head of Service for Safeguarding, Quality Assurance and Workforce Development will play a key role in supporting Barnet’s delivery of the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Act, providing leadership of the development, implementation and effectiveness of the Barnet Multi-Agency Safety team (MAST). Working collaboratively with the Head of Service and other senior leaders, the postholder will contribute to ensuring that child protection intervention and children’s needs are assessed in a holistic and timely manner and that appropriate services are provided or commissioned to meet their needs and are consistent with their best interests.
As a member of the Senior Management Team in Family Services, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across these functions. You will champion engagement, family-led decision-making, partnership working, co-production strategies and development of services with children and young people. You will also promote active participation of children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard, listened to and influence how we deliver services to children and families in Barnet.
In collaboration with senior colleagues, you will support the delivery of high‑quality, cost‑effective social care services by contributing to clear practice standards, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and promoting effective joint working with partners and other agencies. You will provide strong relational and system leadership across multi‑agency partners to embed a shared approach, including effective thresholds, pathways and joint decision‑making, which improve the experience and outcomes for children and families in Barnet.
About you
You will be a qualified and registered social worker with experience of managing complex services, including oversight of projects and budgets. This is an opportunity for an aspiring senior leader who can build on strong foundations, drive high‑quality service delivery, compliance, and create the conditions for the children’s workforce to thrive.
You will have a strong track record of achieving positive outcomes for children and young people and be passionate about working alongside families. You will value the lived experience of children, actively seek family feedback and promote collaboration and co‑production in the development of services, policies, intervention and plans.
You will be comfortable leading services through change, maintaining strong operational grip whilst contributing to longer‑term transformation. You will understand the direction of travel for children’s social care and be motivated to translate reform ambition into sustainable, high‑quality frontline practice, working collaboratively across the Barnet Family Services system and other partners.
- Have excellent knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks, government guidance, policies and procedures relating to Children and Families.
- Have a clear understanding of the purpose and direction of the Children’s Social Care Reforms, including the evidence, values and practice principles that underpin them, and how these translate into effective frontline practice.
- Have experience of driving workforce development activities leading to improvements in the quality of practice.
- Have detailed knowledge of government guidelines and standards that support the delivery of safe, high-quality service.
- Have knowledge of professional codes of practice that underpin the Children’s Workforce in statutory and early help settings.
- Have a track record of effectively delivering safe services within a multi-agency framework, which has delivered excellent outcomes.
- Have a proven track record of working collaboratively with senior managers in children’s services and in partnership with other agencies.
- Be passionate about engaging children, young people and their families, obtaining feedback, listening to their ideas and promoting co-production of services, policies and plans.
What we offer:
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
- Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Employee well-being training programs including confidential employee assistance
How to apply
Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Joy Edeam at joy.edeam@barnet.gov.uk.
All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.
Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.
Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regretfully in this instance, you have not been shortlisted.
Assistant Head of Service - Internal candidates only in London employer: Borough of Barnet
The London Borough of Barnet is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration, staff enjoy extensive training opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including 31 days of annual leave and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Working in Barnet means being part of a vibrant community focused on making a positive impact on the lives of children and families, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head of Service - Internal candidates only in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues and managers within Barnet Council. Let them know you're interested in the Assistant Head of Service role. A friendly chat can go a long way in making your name known.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Brush up on your knowledge of the Children’s Social Care Reforms and how they impact our work. Be ready to share examples of how you've driven positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, express your commitment to co-production and engaging with families. Share stories that highlight your collaborative approach and how you’ve listened to children’s voices in your previous roles.
✨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, you’ll find all the info you need to make your application shine.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head of Service - Internal candidates only in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description and person specification carefully. This will help you understand what we're looking for and how you can showcase your relevant experience.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills and experiences that align with the role. We want to see how you fit into our values and the specific requirements of the Assistant Head of Service position.
Be Honest and Authentic:When filling out your application, be truthful about your experiences and qualifications. We value authenticity, so share your genuine passion for working with children and families in Barnet.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information and resources to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Know Your Values
Make sure you understand and can articulate how your personal values align with Barnet Council's core values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, and Collaborative. Be ready to share examples from your experience that demonstrate these values in action.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Assistant Head of Service. Highlight specific projects or initiatives you've led that resulted in positive outcomes for children and families, as this will show your capability to drive high-quality service delivery.
✨Engage with the Role's Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Social Care Reforms and how they impact frontline practice. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these reforms within Barnet, showcasing your understanding of the legislative frameworks and your vision for effective service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
As a senior leader, you'll need to work closely with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other agencies or departments in the past. Emphasise your ability to foster partnerships and co-production strategies that enhance service delivery for children and families.
