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, 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 46000 - 52000 € 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 in Lincolnshire 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 wellbeing of its workforce while empowering them to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community. The culture promotes flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social work and community service.
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 in Lincolnshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field 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 those interviews! Research the North East Lincolnshire Council and understand their values and goals. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission to support children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your commitment to creating positive environments for both staff and children.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Service Director - Practice Standards and Principal Social Worker in Lincolnshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your experience in providing strong and effective leadership. We want to see how you've positively impacted teams and services in the past, especially in children's services.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. We love seeing concrete achievements that align with our goals.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and candidate profile outlined in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Social Work Matters
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the role. Brush up on statutory independent reviews and the Local Authority Designated Officer functions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the position.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Service Director, strong leadership is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve led teams or initiatives successfully. Highlight how you’ve created positive conditions for both staff and children to thrive.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Improvement Plans
Familiarise yourself with the improvement plan and Council Plan mentioned in the job description. Think about how you can contribute to these plans and be ready to share your ideas during the interview. This shows you’re proactive and aligned with their goals.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Wellbeing
Since the role involves creating a safe space for colleagues and promoting inclusivity, be prepared to discuss how you’ve fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles. Share any initiatives you’ve led that support wellbeing and equal opportunities.
