At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance and improvement in social care services for children and adults.
- Company: Swindon Borough Council, committed to safeguarding and enhancing community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and impactful service delivery.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social care and improve lives through strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with significant senior management experience in social care.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Head of Service for Quality Assurance & Review provides strategic leadership for the Council's Quality Assurance (QA) and practice improvement function across Children's and/or Adults' Social Care. The role ensures that statutory safeguarding responsibilities, care standards, and regulatory requirements are consistently met while driving continuous improvement in service delivery. This is an independent oversight role, responsible for challenging practice, identifying risk, and improving outcomes for children, adults, and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development and delivery of the Council's Quality Assurance and practice improvement framework.
- Ensure compliance with statutory duties including the Children Act 1989 and Care Act 2014.
- Contribute to wider strategic leadership across Children's or Adults' Services.
- Independent Quality Assurance & Oversight
- Provide independent scrutiny and professional challenge to operational social care teams.
- Promote strengths-based, safe, and effective practice across services.
- Ensure robust oversight of safeguarding practice and decision-making.
- Audit, Review & Inspection Readiness
- Design and deliver structured audit programmes across casework, including child protection, fostering, and care planning.
- Undertake thematic reviews to identify patterns, risks, and areas for improvement.
- Lead preparation for external inspections (e.g. Ofsted and CQC), ensuring readiness and compliance.
- Service Improvement & Transformation
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across social care services.
- Work in partnership with internal teams, external agencies, families, and service users to improve outcomes.
- Translate audit findings into actionable service improvements.
- Performance & Risk Management
- Monitor key performance indicators and quality metrics across services.
- Identify emerging risks, trends, and areas of concern through data and case analysis.
- Ensure timely escalation and resolution of safeguarding or quality issues.
Person Specification
- Qualifications
- Qualified Social Worker or relevant professional qualification (e.g. CQSW, DipSW).
- Registered with Social Work England (or equivalent regulatory body).
- Experience
- Significant senior management experience within a local authority social care setting.
- Proven track record in quality assurance, safeguarding, and service improvement.
- Experience of leading audit frameworks and preparing for regulatory inspections.
- Knowledge & Expertise
- In-depth understanding of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
- Strong knowledge of Ofsted and/or CQC inspection frameworks.
- Experience of applying QA frameworks to improve practice and outcomes.
- Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to provide clear, evidence-based professional challenge.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills across multi-agency environments.
- Ability to lead change and build consensus at senior level.
- Strong report writing and data interpretation skills.
Role Impact
This role is critical in ensuring that social care services are safe, effective, and continuously improving. It provides the independent oversight needed to strengthen practice, reduce risk, and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and adults.
Head of Service – Quality Assurance & Review – AR in Swindon employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Swindon Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff, particularly in the vital role of Head of Service for Quality Assurance & Review. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults. The Council offers robust training opportunities, a supportive environment, and the chance to lead transformative initiatives that directly impact the community.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service – Quality Assurance & Review – AR in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the perfect fit! Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. We suggest focusing on common questions related to quality assurance and service improvement to really nail it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service – Quality Assurance & Review – AR in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in quality assurance and social care. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Service, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about strategic leadership, so be sure to emphasise your experience in leading teams and driving service improvements. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and make a real impact in social care.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences, as we appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children Act 1989 and Care Act 2014. Understanding these laws is crucial for the Head of Service role, so be prepared to discuss how they influence quality assurance and safeguarding practices.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong strategic leadership. Think of examples from your past where you've led teams or initiatives that improved service delivery. Be ready to share specific outcomes and how you navigated challenges.
✨Prepare for Scrutiny
Since this position involves independent oversight, be prepared to discuss how you would challenge practice and identify risks. Have a few scenarios in mind where you successfully implemented quality improvements or addressed compliance issues.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Highlight your analytical skills by discussing how you've used data to monitor performance and manage risks in previous roles. Be ready to explain how you translate audit findings into actionable improvements for services.
