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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality assurance to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Forward-thinking local authority in the South East of England.
- Benefits: High-impact role with autonomy to drive meaningful change.
- Why this job: Shape safeguarding practices and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and extensive management experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence strategic direction and collaborate with partners.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
A forward-thinking local authority in the South East of England is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take on the role of Head of Safeguarding and Quality Assurance within its Children’s Services division.
This pivotal role offers the opportunity to lead and shape safeguarding and quality assurance across the authority, driving continuous improvement in social work practice and ensuring positive outcomes for children, young people, and families.
🔹 Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership to the Safeguarding and QA team, including oversight of CP Chairs, IROs, LADO, and QA functions.
- Champion best practice in safeguarding and early help, ensuring robust systems for scrutiny and improvement.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to shape service delivery and prevent children entering care.
- Lead on budget management, service planning, and performance monitoring.
- Represent the authority in strategic forums and contribute to wider service development.
🔹 Candidate Profile:
- Strong understanding of integrated children’s services and partnership working.
- Inspirational leadership style with a commitment to equality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
- Hold a recognised Social Work qualification eg. Degree in Social Work, PGC in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent.
- Be registered with Social Work England.
- Hold an NVQ level 5 in Management or equivalent management qualification.
- Have extensive management experience including the management of change.
- Have significant experience directly related to the area of specialism.
- Have experience in successfully planning for and contributing to the Ofsted inspection process.
- Have extensive understanding of the legislative and policy framework around providing services to children, young people, and their families.
- Have experience of working within a Signs of Safety framework.
- Hold evidence of continuous professional development.
This is a high-impact leadership role for someone passionate about safeguarding and service excellence, with the autonomy to influence strategic direction and drive meaningful change.
📩 For more information or to express interest, please contact:
Penny Cronje – Senior Recruitment Consultant
📧 penny.cronje@connect2socialwork.co.uk
#SafeguardingJobs #LeadershipOpportunity #SocialWorkCareers #SouthEastJobs #Connect2SocialWork #ChildrenServices
Head of Service - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance employer: Connect2SocialWork
Contact Detail:
Connect2SocialWork Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance
✨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 hunt for a leadership role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the local authority's recent initiatives in safeguarding and quality assurance. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for driving positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and improved service delivery. This is your chance to shine and show them you’re the strategic leader they need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in children’s services.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in safeguarding and quality assurance. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your inspirational leadership style and how you've driven continuous improvement in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can lead with integrity and a commitment to equality.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your recognised Social Work qualification and any management qualifications you hold. We need to see that you meet the essential criteria, so make it easy for us to spot them!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2SocialWork
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the legislative and policy framework around safeguarding and children’s services. Brush up on recent changes and best practices, especially those related to the Signs of Safety framework. This will show your expertise and commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the values of equality and integrity. Think of specific examples where you've inspired teams or driven change in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can lead the Safeguarding and QA team effectively.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners. Be ready to share examples of how you've shaped service delivery and prevented children from entering care. This will illustrate your ability to work within a multi-agency environment.
✨Prepare for Performance Monitoring Questions
Since budget management and performance monitoring are key responsibilities, be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas. Have examples ready that showcase your strategic planning skills and how you've contributed to successful outcomes in previous roles.
