At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead change in Family Help and Child Protection teams, ensuring high-quality support for vulnerable children.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority committed to children's welfare and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading innovative social care reforms.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of child protection, leadership experience, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 63132 - 68342 £ per year.
As a subject matter expert, you will be responsible for leading the change and implementation programme of the new Family Help and Multi‑Agency Child Protection teams in collaboration with key statutory partners. You will also lead on the development of the programme's policy and co‑production approach in partnership with the Academy and operational stakeholders. This role sits within the Senior Leadership Team and you will report directly to the Assistant Director responsible for your area. You will play a key part in children’s services leadership, providing oversight of systemic practice with children and families, and supporting excellence in practice delivery.
Responsibilities
- Lead change and implementation of the new Family Help and Multi‑Agency Child Protection teams.
- Develop and embed systemic practice with children and families.
- Enable children to remain with birth families wherever possible.
- Protect children who experience or are at risk of significant harm.
- Act as corporate parent to children unable to remain within birth families.
- Provide help and support to disabled children and their families.
- Provide system leadership as a statutory safeguarding partner.
- Lead your teams to deliver a culture of high‑quality practice that achieves good outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
- Set clear goals and expectations in line with GCC priorities.
- Provide challenging and supportive line management and hold direct reports to account.
- Collaborate with Assistant Directors and the Senior Leadership Team to lead services through change.
- Be accountable for the rigorous implementation of the Children’s Services Families First Partnership Programme’s vision.
- Support the quality assurance framework to monitor and review performance.
- Work with other Group Managers across the county to ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality support.
- Take operational lead roles in enhancing and developing practice.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Excellent knowledge of child protection and legal literacy to interpret new statutory guidance and legislation.
- Skills in negotiation and collaboration with partners.
- Strong written and presentation skills.
- Organisational and project management skills.
- Research‑driven and able to think creatively and horizon‑scan.
- Experience of strong practice leadership and service improvement, enabling others to achieve good outcomes for children and families.
- A full driving licence and willingness to drive.
- DBS clearance (Enhanced Adults and Children).
- Some management and leadership experience.
- Valid right to work in the UK and, if necessary, a right that Gloucestershire County Council can transfer.
- Demonstrated ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
Benefits
- Annual salary between £63,132 and £68,342, subject to experience.
- Flexible and agile working opportunities.
- 25.5 days annual leave, rising to 30.5 days after 5 years of continuous service.
- Option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year.
- Family‑friendly policies and benefits.
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free, confidential counselling and advice, available 24 hours a day online and by telephone.
- An in‑house Occupational Health service.
- Employee discount scheme.
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) and the Young Employees Network.
- Career development and qualification opportunities.
- Access to our Social Work Academy.
- Cycle to Work scheme (eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply).
- Green Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme (eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply).
Additional Information
Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working. The Families First Partnership Programme is a national programme leading reforms of the children's social care and early help system, including the introduction of Family Help and Multi‑Agency Child Protection Teams to deliver against the ambitions of the Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Policy Document and Children Wellbeing and Schools' Bill. In our recent inspection in June 2025, our Children’s Services have been officially judged as “Good” with “Outstanding” elements. This reaffirms our commitment to building on this success and ensuring that every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.
Group Manager in Cheltenham employer: Gloucestershire County Council
As a leading employer in children's services, we offer a supportive and positive working environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and access to our Social Work Academy, we empower our staff to excel in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families. Join us in our commitment to excellence and innovation in safeguarding and child protection.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manager in Cheltenham
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We think you need these skills to ace Group Manager in Cheltenham
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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
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