At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality assurance to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Dudley Council, committed to safeguarding and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to excellence in social work practice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful leadership.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Children’s Social Care and proven service improvement skills.
The predicted salary is between 76597 - 81370 £ per year.
Location: Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley
Salary: £76,597 to £81,370 (pay award pending)
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Are you an experienced and values-driven leader with a passion for safeguarding, professional standards and continuous improvement? Dudley are embarking on an exciting journey of improvement. We have strengthened capacity at Associate Director level with four permanent roles: AD Education and Inclusion, AD Quality, Performance and Improvement, AD Family Help and Safeguarding and AD Corporate Parenting. We are now recruiting to our Principal Service Lead roles to further strengthen our leadership capacity.
Dudley Council is seeking an exceptional Principal Service Lead – Safeguarding & Quality Assurance to join our Children’s Services Leadership Team. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving practice excellence, strengthening safeguarding arrangements and ensuring high-quality services that improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
- Lead safeguarding, quality assurance and practice improvement, acting as the Strategic Principal Social Worker and driving excellence in social work practice across Children’s Services.
- Provide leadership across key safeguarding, quality and workforce development functions, ensuring strong governance, professional standards and continuous improvement.
- Drive learning, inspection readiness and performance improvement, working with partners and stakeholders to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
Who we're looking for:
We are seeking a visible, credible and ambitious leader with significant experience in Children’s Social Care and a proven track record of delivering service improvement and safeguarding excellence.
You will bring:
Join us and help drive outstanding safeguarding practice, continuous improvement and better outcomes for children and young people across Dudley.
Applications close: 31/8/26
The recruitment process consists of a young person’s panel and final interview. Interview dates will be confirmed following shortlisting. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.
Please do visit Dudley Councils Children and Young People recruitment site for more information.
Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or onsite full time.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
If you require support completing an online or paper application form and or interview techniques, please contact Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818 143 or acl@dudley.gov.uk who can support with Digital Skills and Job Applications.
If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk.
Principal Service Lead - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Dudley employer: Community Care Live
Join our dedicated team as a Children's Home Support Worker in a modern, well-equipped children's home where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people. We offer a nurturing environment that fosters career growth through access to outstanding training and development resources provided by Hampshire County Council, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your wellbeing. With a strong focus on employee support and a commitment to transforming children's futures, this role is perfect for those looking to inspire and create positive change.
