At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative initiatives for children's services and manage a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Buckinghamshire Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health initiatives, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's social care and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role until September 2026 with a competitive salary.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Aylesbury
Overview
This is an exciting and pivotal opportunity to shape the future of early help, family support, and child protection services in Buckinghamshire, working in partnership with key stakeholders including Health, Police, Education, and the voluntary sector. With a budget oversight of approximately £800k and a hybrid working model based at Walton Street, this role offers both challenge and reward in equal measure.
Annual salary up to £79,856
This is a fixed term / secondment role until September 2026
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county, and our economy is one of the strongest in the country. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and ranks as one of the top rural areas to live in the UK and yet it is incredibly well connected– only an hour from London on the train. The county has a rich history and heritage and is the birthplace of the international Paralympic movement.
We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey. You will be entitled to a range of different benefits to make sure you are happy both at work and at home.
About the role
As the Implementation Manager, reporting into the Service Director for Transformation, you will lead the design, coordination, and execution of the Families First for Children Partnership (FFCP) programme in Buckinghamshire. Backed by over £500 million in national funding, this initiative aims to deliver integrated, multi-agency support systems that protect and empower children and families.
You will:
- Drive the implementation of reforms aligned with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
- Lead a multi-agency delivery plan, ensuring alignment with national statutory guidance by 2028.
- Engage with senior leaders, community stakeholders, and government departments to report on progress and outcomes.
- Oversee programme governance, risk management, and performance monitoring.
- Inspire and manage a team of 5 direct and matrix-managed staff from across sectors.
This role is central to delivering lasting change and improving outcomes for children, young people, and families across the county.
About you
We’re looking for a strategic leader with:
- Ideally, significant practice experience and strategic leadership/management in children’s social care, education, or family support.
- A strong track record of leading a programme of organisational change, project management and policy development.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across agencies.
- A deep understanding of local government systems, policy and guidance which oversees safeguarding and early help frameworks.
- A degree-level qualification (essential); project management or professional registration (desirable).
- A full driving licence and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.
Other information
For more information about this role, please contact Errol Albert at [emailprotected]
Closing date: Midnight on Monday 1st September
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
- All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions
We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
- a fair and inclusive culture
- the chance to really make a difference to those around you
- health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
- a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
- ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
- opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.
From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.
We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.
We recognise and reward you
Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.
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Families First Programme Implementation Manager employer: Buckinghamshire Council
Contact Detail:
Buckinghamshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Families First Programme Implementation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Families First for Children Partnership (FFCP) programme and its objectives. Understanding the specific goals and challenges of this initiative will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in children's services and local government. Attend relevant events or forums where you can meet stakeholders involved in similar programmes, as building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing multi-agency teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully driven organisational change and engaged stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and policies in children's social care and family support. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to adapt to changing environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Families First Programme Implementation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Families First Programme Implementation Manager. Understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your significant practice experience in children's social care, education, or family support. Provide specific examples of how you've led organisational change or managed projects successfully.
Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Demonstrate your excellent stakeholder engagement skills by including examples of how you've influenced across agencies. This could be through previous roles or projects where collaboration was key to success.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and mission of Buckinghamshire Council. Highlight your commitment to diversity, inclusion, and making a positive impact on the community, as these are important to the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckinghamshire Council
✨Understand the Programme's Vision
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Families First Programme and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, as well as the specific reforms that Buckinghamshire Council aims to implement. This will show your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, particularly in children's social care or family support. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led organisational change or managed projects, as this is crucial for the Implementation Manager role.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, think of examples where you've effectively influenced or collaborated with different agencies. Be ready to explain how you would approach building relationships with senior leaders and community stakeholders in this new position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss how you handle challenges, particularly in governance, risk management, and performance monitoring. Providing concrete examples of how you've navigated complex situations in the past will demonstrate your capability to oversee the programme effectively.