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- Tasks: Lead and manage safeguarding services for children and families, ensuring high standards of practice.
- Company: Cumberland Council, dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working location, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and extensive experience in child protection services.
- Other info: Join a diverse workforce committed to inclusion and support.
The predicted salary is between 81049 - 83933 ÂŁ per year.
Senior Manager – Support and Protect (CMB2038e)
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Senior Manager – Support and Protect
Salary: £81,049 – £83,933 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Negotiable – base can be Workington or Carlisle
About This Opportunity
Cumberland Council is seeking a Senior Manager to join our Children and Family Wellbeing Service. This is a permanent leadership role with responsibility for the effective delivery of the Children’s assessment and support service (front door) and safeguarding services to children and families – including those subject to Child in Need and Child Protection plans, as well as children and young people within the Public Law Outline and Court proceedings.
As a Senior Manager, you’ll provide strategic leadership, management oversight, and visible direction to ensure high standards of practice and service delivery. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping early permanence planning, driving practice improvement, and leading complex and high-risk work with children and families.
This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact, working in partnership with CAFCASS, the judiciary, Cumbria Police, health colleagues, and education services to ensure a whole-system approach from the point of contact with services through to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people.
The role offers flexibility to be based at either our Workington office (West Cumbria House) or our Carlisle office (Cumbria House).
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced and inspirational leader who is passionate about safeguarding and improving the lives of children and families. You’ll bring:
- A recognised social work qualification (Honours Degree or equivalent).
- Extensive experience in services for children in need of help and protection.
- Proven leadership in managing teams, budgets, and high-risk, complex casework.
- Strong skills in building and influencing partnerships across agencies.
- Strategic vision and a commitment to learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.
You’ll be someone who can lead with confidence, inspire colleagues, and contribute to a culture of positivity and support, while maintaining a focus on achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Phillippa Holmes (Assistant Director – Social Care) by email at Philippa.Holmes@cumberland.gov.uk.
DBS Checks
This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is Enhanced DBS Check with a Children’s and Adults Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select “yes” to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We’re a proud Disability Confident Employer and also an Age Friendly Employer to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll listen and try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Please upload a covering letter and CV with your application.
Closing date: 19th October 2025
Interview date: 30th October 2025
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested, apply well before the closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please Read The Supporting Information
- Post Specification
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:
- Our Staff Benefits
- Candidate Support
- About Cumberland Council
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Senior Manager-Support and Protect-CMB2038e employer: Cumberland Council
Contact Detail:
Cumberland Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager-Support and Protect-CMB2038e
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Cumberland Council and their Children and Family Wellbeing Service. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and complex cases. Highlighting your experience will demonstrate that you’re the inspirational leader they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to make your application shine.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager-Support and Protect-CMB2038e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Senior Manager - Support and Protect. Highlight your experience in safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and families, and show us how your leadership style aligns with our values.
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV, emphasise your extensive experience in managing high-risk, complex casework. We want to see how you've successfully led teams and influenced partnerships across agencies, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference, so share your motivations and what drives you to work in this field. We want to know the real you!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! The role may close early if we get a lot of interest, so make sure you apply through our website well before the closing date to secure your chance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Senior Manager in the Children and Family Wellbeing Service. Brush up on safeguarding practices, early permanence planning, and the Public Law Outline. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about the challenges and expectations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and complex casework. Think of specific situations where you’ve inspired colleagues or improved service delivery. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can lead with confidence and make a real impact.
✨Build Connections
Since this role involves working with various agencies like CAFCASS and Cumbria Police, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully built partnerships in the past. Share stories that illustrate your ability to collaborate and influence others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the council’s approach to continuous improvement or how they measure success in safeguarding. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
