Service Manager - Children ́s Services in Milton Keynes

We’re seeking an experienced and values‑led Service Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across Family Help and Child Protection services at Milton Keynes City Council. This is a pivotal leadership role within our Child First, Family Led approach. You’ll drive integrated practice, strong partnership working and high‑quality outcomes so that children are safe and families are supported to thrive. You’ll oversee the delivery and continuous improvement of Family Help and Protection services, including Family Help teams, Multi‑Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs) and the Contextual Safeguarding Team. Working closely with safeguarding partners such as Police, Health and Education, you’ll ensure effective multi‑agency pathways, robust practice standards and a strong learning culture. This is a rewarding role for an experienced social work leader who wants to make a meaningful difference in a growing and ambitious city.

Main Responsibility

• Provide visible leadership and management oversight across Family Help, Multi‑Agency Child Protection and Contextual Safeguarding services, ensuring safe, effective and timely practice.
• Lead change, co‑design and practice development aligned to the Child First, Family Led approach, driving high standards in assessment, planning and direct work.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with Police, Health and other agencies, contributing to and chairing multi‑agency forums where required.
• Ensure statutory duties and safeguarding guidance are applied effectively, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
• Oversee performance management, audit activity, risk management and service improvement, using data and feedback to improve outcomes and reduce demand escalation.
• Line manage Team Managers and oversee resources, including workforce development, recruitment, retention, budgets and inspection readiness.

The Ideal Candidate

• A qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration.
• An experienced leader with significant post‑qualifying experience in children and families social work, including substantial management experience and a strong track record of improving practice and outcomes.
• Highly knowledgeable about safeguarding, statutory responsibilities and assessment frameworks.
• Confident in delivering robust supervision and quality assurance, using audit, performance information and feedback to drive improvement.
• Able to manage competing priorities, risk and resources in a complex operational environment.
• A clear and confident communicator who works effectively with colleagues, partners, children and families.
• Someone whose approach reflects our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.

Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle

To be successful in this role, you’ll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If we offer you the role, we’ll ask you to provide evidence of your driving licence and vehicle insurance, including cover for business use. We’re unable to confirm an appointment until these documents are received. As part of the pre‑employment checks, should you be offered the role, we’ll carry out an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, (unless you are currently registered with the DBS Update Service).

Package Description

• Great holiday benefits — most roles include 28 days annual leave each year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award‑winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low‑cost bike purchase scheme as well as high‑street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme – low‑cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card – employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Why join us?

Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes. Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round‑the‑clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.