At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes to improve children's social care services and outcomes.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to lead impactful change.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage a significant budget and lead a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of children's services and driving real change.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading transformation in children's social care and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
Location: Surrey (hybrid working)
Reports to: Assistant Director, Transformation - Children's Social Care
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Interim Programme Lead to drive forward a critical transformation programme across Children's Social Care, Early Help and the wider Directorate. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for leading the design and delivery of complex, system-wide change, ensuring services deliver improved outcomes for children, young people and families. The postholder will work closely with the Assistant Director (Transformation), retaining strong alignment to strategic priorities while taking ownership of day-to-day programme leadership and delivery.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of a high-profile transformation programme, maintaining the service quality standards, improving service quality, impact and value for money across Children's Services.
- Develop and manage a coherent, prioritised programme of change, ensuring alignment to strategic objectives and financial plans.
- Provide visible leadership across programme and project teams, fostering a culture of accountability, performance and innovation.
- Work closely with Assistant Directors, senior leaders and partners to embed sustainable improvement across early help and statutory services.
- Ensure robust programme governance, including risk management, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
- Drive cross-system collaboration with partners to influence behaviours and unlock early intervention and prevention benefits.
- Maximise value from placements and service delivery through data-led decision making and cost/outcome analysis.
What we're looking for
- Significant experience leading large-scale transformation programmes in Children's Social Care, local government, or related sectors.
- A strong track record of delivering measurable improvement in outcomes, performance and financial sustainability.
- Deep expertise in programme management, governance, and system change.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, Members and partners.
- Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate insight into delivery.
About you
- Be comfortable operating at senior leadership level in a complex political environment.
- Balance strategic oversight with hands-on programme delivery.
- Be passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Bring energy, pace and credibility to transformation work.
Additional information
- Oversight of a transformation programme budget of c. £1.3m and an efficiencies target of £6m to deliver this financial year.
- Leadership of a team of Programme, Transformation and Project Managers.
- Enhanced DBS required.
Programme Lead - Childrens's Social Care Transformation employer: Eden Brown Synergy
Eden Brown Synergy is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive hourly pay and a focus on fostering teamwork, this role in Great Barr provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding while working alongside dedicated professionals in the field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Lead - Childrens's Social Care Transformation
✨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 Eden Brown Synergy.
✨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 Eden Brown Synergy!
✨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 Eden Brown Synergy, 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 Eden Brown Synergy 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 Programme Lead - Childrens's Social Care Transformation
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 Eden Brown Synergy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Eden Brown Synergy! 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 Eden Brown Synergy
✨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.
