At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative initiatives in adult social care to improve lives in our communities.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to positive change in social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on adult social care and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and social care legislation and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Are you passionate about driving positive change in adult social care? We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Improvement Manager to join our team and lead transformative initiatives that make a real difference to the lives of adults in our communities.
This new role was created for the Directorate to improve outcomes for the people we support. The Improvement Manager will play a key role in our transformation journey and the ASC leadership team.
Role responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the Adult Social Care improvement programme, ensuring workstreams are well-planned, on track, and delivering measurable outcomes.
- Support senior leadership and the Improvement Board with clear reporting, risk management and preparation for inspections, reviews, and strategic decision-making.
- Foster collaboration with senior managers, stakeholders and partners across departments to drive effective, integrated improvement activity.
- Monitor budgets and savings in partnership with Finance and ensure programme spending aligns with financial objectives.
- Support innovation and digital transformation, including AI initiatives, by managing progress, reporting risks and ensuring staff are trained and informed.
- Lead communication and engagement, sharing learning, promoting good practice and ensuring improvement plans reflect the latest policy and service developments.
Qualifications
- Familiarity with key health and social care legislation.
- In-depth understanding of adult social care policies, reforms and integration with health services.
- Proven experience leading teams and managing change within set policies and procedures.
- Strong project management principles, stakeholder engagement and risk assessment.
- Skilled in creating and implementing policy that improves adult social care services.
- Experienced in using performance indicators and evidence to drive public sector service improvements.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with various health and community partners.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Benefits
- Modern office environment
- Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years of service) plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
- Employee Assistance Programmes & Support
- Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network
- Support for colleagues who are carers
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. As many of our roles can now be home‑based, we are able to offer more opportunities for people who need this facility.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. If you are a disabled person you have the choice to apply under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme so long as you demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements for the job.
Please let us know of any individual requirements or reasonable adjustments you may have during the application, interview or onboarding process and we’ll do all we can to help. We strongly believe in the social understanding of disability and for us it’s all about removing barriers to equality.
Application process and next steps
Apply via the Derby City Council website. Any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
The closing date for this vacancy is midnight on 27th October 2025.
Interviews will be held on 14 November 2025 at the Council House, Corporation Street Derby and will include a presentation as well as interview questions.
Preferred application route: Upload your CV and complete the Declaration Form sent to Emily.Freeman@derby.gov.uk. Without a completed declaration form your application will not be accepted. You may download the Equalities Form and return it to recruitment.team@derby.gov.uk; however this is optional and will not affect your application.
All employees will normally be appointed to the minimum of the grade for the job. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check as part of the safer recruitment checks.
Before you complete the application form please read our guidance on filling in your application form and align your personal statement to the essential criteria in the Person Specification.
Where colleagues within the organisation are at risk of redundancy, the requirements to redeploy to another suitable role apply and take priority.
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy or are having difficulty applying, please contact our Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 or at recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk.
Adult Social Care Improvement Manager employer: Derby City Council
Join us at Derby City Council, where we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in adult social care. As an employer, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, equality, and inclusion, alongside generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave and access to various employee support networks. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that enhance the lives of adults in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adult Social Care Improvement Manager
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Derby City Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Derby City Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Derby City Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Derby City Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Adult Social Care Improvement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Derby City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Derby City Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
