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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 leadership 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 contribute to service excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 professionals in the safeguarding and quality assurance field. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the authority's recent initiatives and challenges in children’s services. We want you to show that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely invested in making a difference. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve driven change or improved outcomes in your previous roles. We want you to convey your inspirational leadership style and commitment to continuous improvement with confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make an impact in safeguarding and quality assurance.
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. Share examples of how you've led teams to success and championed best practices in previous roles. We love to see passion for continuous improvement!
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your recognised Social Work qualification and any management qualifications you hold. We’re looking for candidates who meet the essential criteria, so make it easy for us to see your credentials.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Let’s get started on this journey together!
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 surrounding children's services. Brush up on the Signs of Safety framework and be ready to discuss how you've applied it in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your inspirational leadership style. Think about times when you've championed best practices or led teams through change, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Collaborative Mindset
This role requires working closely with internal teams and external partners. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past, and think of specific instances where your teamwork made a difference in service delivery.
✨Budget Savvy
Since budget management is part of the role, come equipped with examples of how you've effectively managed budgets in previous positions. Highlight any strategies you've used to ensure financial efficiency while maintaining high-quality service.
