Deputy Head Of Service – Access and Safeguarding

Make a Real Difference: Lead the Future of Adult Social Care in Hackney! Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first‑class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti‑racist borough. The work doesn’t stop there; we are proactive in bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

Our Hackney ASC Vision: We want people to achieve what matters to them, in partnership with our communities in Hackney. Where they need support, together we can find a solution that keeps them safe, well, and independent.

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the first point of contact for adult social care? We are seeking a Deputy Head of Service for Access and Safeguarding to provide critical strategic and operational oversight. This pivotal role ensures the highest standards of quality assurance and practice across our essential safeguarding functions and our vital Access and Duty team. The Access and Duty team serves as our ASC ‘front door,’ triaging referrals from the public, carers, and professionals. As a leader, you will be instrumental in managing this demand and fostering integrated working relationships across health and social care.

What You Bring to the Role:

• An established career in Adult Social Care at Team Manager level or above.
• Deep expertise in the safeguarding adults arena and the strategic importance of this function.
• Proficient application of legal frameworks, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, Safeguarding Adults, and the Human Rights Act.
• Experience in ‘front door’ service delivery, demand management, and high‑quality person‑centred practice is essential.

Qualifications and Professional Registration:

You will need to be a qualified Social Worker or registered allied health professional and be registered with Social Work England.

Enhanced DBS Requirement:

An Enhanced DBS is required for this role.

Values:

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are:

• Proud
• Ambitious
• Pioneering
• Open
• Proactive
• Inclusive

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, and we will work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We welcome those interested in flexible working and particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under‑represented in our workforce.