At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire social work practices to support children and families in thriving.
- Company: North East Lincolnshire Council, committed to positive change and community impact.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, local discounts, wellbeing support, and flexible working.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping the future of social work.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in children and families services with a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
The Deputy Service Director – Practice, Standards and Principal Social Worker will provide strong, effective, creative and positive leadership, and will hold the Principal Social Worker statutory responsibilities on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council. The role will also have responsibility for statutory independent review for our children and for the Local Authority Designated Officer functions. The role is crucial to creating and sustaining the conditions for our workforce and for our children to flourish and thrive. It is at the heart of our transformation agenda, has responsibilities for family group decision making, and will contribute to the improvement plan, Council Plan and partnership outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Hold the Principal Social Worker statutory responsibilities on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council.
- Provide statutory independent review for children.
- Act as Local Authority Designated Officer.
- Create and sustain conditions for workforce and children to flourish and thrive.
- Contribute to the improvement plan, Council Plan and partnership outcomes.
- Oversee, develop and assure best practice across the partnership.
- Lead on social work recruitment and on the training and development of a skilled, effective permanent children’s workforce.
Candidate Profile
- Proven system leader across the children and families system.
- Experience and commitment to a forward‑thinking, ambitious service.
- Desire to support our children, young people and families to flourish and thrive.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement, including bank holidays.
- Enrollment into a local government pension scheme.
- Access to the RewardNEL platform, including salary‑sacrifice schemes (Cycle2Work, Holiday Extra, Tusker).
- Discounts at local coffee shops, bars, hotels, entertainment and major retailers.
- In‑house wellbeing support.
- Flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities.
- Fostering friendly scheme.
Equal Opportunities
We regularly review data to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, transparent and promote equal opportunities for all. We also have an in‑house Equalities Champions Group that works to promote and embed inclusivity in the workplace, helping us identify areas where we can take positive action, and making the organisation a safe space for colleagues to feel connected.
Application Process
Application deadline: 1 June 2026. Interviews will be conducted in the week commencing 15 June 2026.
Deputy Service Director - Practice Standards and Principal Social Worker employer: Children's Social Work Matters
North East Lincolnshire Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With generous leave entitlements, access to a local government pension scheme, and a commitment to professional development, the council prioritises the well-being and growth of its workforce. Located in a vibrant community, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and various local discounts, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's lives.
Contact Detail:
Children's Social Work Matters Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Service Director - Practice Standards and Principal Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to North East Lincolnshire Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent initiatives and challenges. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you've led teams or made tough decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Service Director - Practice Standards and Principal Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in social work settings. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and guide others.
Be Clear About Your Vision:We’re looking for someone with a forward-thinking approach. In your application, share your vision for improving services for children and families. Let us know how you plan to create conditions for both the workforce and children to thrive.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to the job description. Highlight relevant experiences that align with the responsibilities listed, like statutory independent reviews or family group decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Social Work Matters
✨Know Your Statutory Responsibilities
Make sure you’re well-versed in the statutory responsibilities of a Principal Social Worker. Brush up on the key legislation and frameworks that guide practice standards, as this will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of the legal landscape.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in creating positive environments for children and families. Think about times when you've led teams or initiatives that resulted in improved outcomes, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Demonstrate a Forward-Thinking Approach
The role requires a forward-thinking mindset, so come prepared with ideas on how to enhance service delivery. Consider innovative practices or strategies you’ve implemented in the past and how they could apply to the transformation agenda at North East Lincolnshire Council.
✨Engage with the Improvement Plan
Familiarise yourself with the current improvement plan and partnership outcomes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these goals and how you can contribute to achieving them. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in the organisation's vision.
