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- Tasks: Lead and shape high-quality adult social care services in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Central Bedfordshire Council, committed to person-centred care and community impact.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference and develop your leadership skills.
- Other info: Significant role with a £110m+ service area and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Join a stable team and influence positive change in adult social care.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in social care and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking an exceptional leader to step into this key role of Service Director – Adult Social Care. This is a rare opportunity to take forward a well-established, person‑centred, high-performing service at a time of organisational ambition and positive cultural momentum. With a strong CQC rating, a stable leadership team and a committed workforce, we are looking for a strategic, values driven leader who can maintain our strengths while shaping the next chapter of our journey.
You will oversee a broad remit spanning assessment, care management, provider services, mental health (under a S75 agreement), safeguarding and quality supported by an experienced cohort of Heads of Service. You will bring credibility, confidence, and a collaborative style, working effectively with health partners, providers, Members and internal colleagues to deliver the best outcomes for the people we support. Strong political awareness, relationship building capability and sound judgement will be essential as you help us navigate a changing landscape.
Whether you are an experienced Service Director or an ambitious senior leader ready for your next step, you will demonstrate:
- Values-based, people-focused leadership
- Experience delivering high-quality social care services
- Ability to lead change and manage complexity
- A track record of successful stakeholder and partnership engagement
- Financial and performance acumen
- The ability to inspire, motivate and develop teams
This is a significant leadership role within a c£110m+ service area, offering the chance to make a genuine difference to adults, families, and communities across Central Bedfordshire.
Closing Date for Applications: Midnight on Sunday 10th May
Service Director – Adult Social Care in England employer: Central Bedfordshire
Contact Detail:
Central Bedfordshire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director – Adult Social Care in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Central Bedfordshire Council and their current initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about contributing to their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led change and managed complexity in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve inspired your teams.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director – Adult Social Care in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with our values. We want to see how you inspire and motivate teams, so share specific examples that showcase your people-focused approach.
Demonstrate Your Experience: Be clear about your experience in delivering high-quality social care services. We’re looking for someone who can manage complexity and lead change, so include relevant achievements that illustrate your capability in these areas.
Engage with Stakeholders: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, don’t forget to mention your experience in building relationships. We want to know how you've successfully collaborated with partners and internal colleagues to achieve positive outcomes.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored to the role. Use the job description as a guide and reflect on how your skills and experiences match what we’re looking for. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get your application in front of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Service Director in Adult Social Care. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in social care, especially around person-centred approaches and safeguarding. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the values of Central Bedfordshire Council. Think of specific examples where you’ve inspired and motivated teams, especially in complex situations. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can maintain a high-performing service while leading change.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to talk about your experience in building and maintaining relationships. Share examples of how you’ve successfully engaged with health partners, providers, and internal colleagues to achieve positive outcomes. Highlight your political awareness and how it has helped you navigate challenges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation’s goals. Inquire about their vision for the future of adult social care in Central Bedfordshire and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.