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- Tasks: Lead and enhance adult social care services, ensuring high-quality support for the community.
- Company: Central Bedfordshire Council, committed to person-centred care and positive cultural change.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and communities.
- Other info: Significant role with a £110m+ service area, ideal for ambitious leaders.
- Why this job: Join a stable leadership team and shape the future of social care in Central Bedfordshire.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in social care, strong stakeholder engagement, and financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ 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
For more information, click apply. For a confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment partners at Tile Hill:
Helen Alwell – helen.alwell@tile-hill.co.uk / 07931 543313
Anita Denton – anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk / 07725 554802
Service Director – Adult Social Care 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
✨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 interested in the role, but that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities they face in adult social care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, managed change, and engaged stakeholders. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that experience to our service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director – Adult Social Care
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: Don’t hold back on sharing your experience in delivering high-quality social care services. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complexity, so include any relevant achievements that illustrate your ability to lead change effectively.
Engage with Stakeholders: We value strong stakeholder engagement, so be sure to mention your experience in building relationships with health partners and other key players. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully collaborated to achieve positive outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference in Central Bedfordshire!
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, challenges, and best practices in social care services. This will not only show your commitment but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the values of Central Bedfordshire Council. Think of specific examples where you've inspired and motivated teams, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to lead change and manage complexity effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership building. Be ready to share stories about how you've successfully collaborated with health partners, providers, and internal colleagues. This will illustrate your political awareness and relationship-building capabilities, which are crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. This preparation will help you convey your financial and performance acumen while showcasing your strategic thinking.