At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Adult Social Care, transforming access and improving customer experience.
- Company: Hackney Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, impactful leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on service improvement and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of social care.
- Qualifications: Experience in Adult Social Care, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
Hackney Council is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty to play a pivotal leadership role at the front door of Adult Social Care. This is a high-impact interim opportunity, combining operational oversight with innovation, system-wide collaboration and strong people leadership.
About the Role
- As Deputy Head of Service, you will provide senior leadership across the Access & Duty service, supporting safe, timely and person-centred responses for adults contacting Adult Social Care.
- You will work closely with the Head of Service, Assistant Director and wider system partners to drive quality, performance and continuous improvement.
- A key focus of the role is transforming how residents access support, ensuring services are preventative, strengths-based and responsive to need.
- Lead the expansion of digital access, increasing the availability of information and self-assessments through Hackney's digital programme.
- Work in partnership with Customer Services and internal teams to strengthen entry points into Adult Social Care and improve customer experience.
- Support and embed a reablement-first approach, aligned with new models of delivery launching in January 2026.
- Drive the increased use of Occupational Therapists as a preventative intervention for new Adult Social Care referrals.
- Provide operational and strategic oversight, ensuring statutory duties, quality standards and KPIs are met.
- Lead service improvement, change management and new ways of working.
- Line manage one direct report (Team Manager), with scope to support an expanding team and evolving processes.
About You
- You will be a confident senior leader with significant experience in Adult Social Care or a related health or social care setting.
- Strong background in service transformation, performance management and partnership working.
- Sound knowledge of adult social care legislation, safeguarding duties and national policy.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A strong commitment to equality, inclusion and strengths-based practice.
Adults Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty in London employer: Connect2Hackney
Contact Detail:
Connect2Hackney Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adults Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Adult Social Care sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Deputy Head of Service role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in service transformation and performance management. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved services in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job that fits your skills, apply through our website. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the initiative to express your interest and demonstrate your commitment to improving Adult Social Care.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current legislation and best practices in Adult Social Care. Be ready to discuss how you would implement a reablement-first approach and enhance digital access. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the right fit for their vision!
We think you need these skills to ace Adults Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Adult Social Care. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive change, so share specific examples of your leadership experiences.
Highlight Innovation and Collaboration: This role is all about transforming services and working collaboratively. Be sure to mention any innovative projects you've led or been part of, especially those that improved access to services or enhanced customer experience. We love seeing creative problem-solving!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of adult social care legislation and safeguarding duties. Familiarise yourself with Hackney Council's current initiatives and how they align with the role. This will show that you're not just interested in the position, but also invested in the community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in service transformation and performance management. Be ready to discuss how you can drive quality and continuous improvement in the Access & Duty service.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires strong partnership working, so think about times when you've collaborated with other teams or stakeholders. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've improved customer experience through teamwork and communication.
✨Be Person-Centred
Since the focus is on providing person-centred responses, come equipped with ideas on how to enhance the accessibility of services. Discuss your vision for a reablement-first approach and how you would implement it within the team. This will demonstrate your commitment to strengths-based practice.