At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality assurance to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Dudley Council, committed to safeguarding and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for impactful change in the community.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team driving excellence in children's services and safeguarding.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Children’s Social Care and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 76597 - 81370 £ per year.
Job Reference: DUDLEY/TP/697/5110
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £76,597 to £81,370 (pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37
Location: Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley
Closing Date: 31/08/2026
Sector: Local Councils
Business Unit: Children's Services
Job Introduction:
Are you an experienced and values-driven leader with a passion for safeguarding, professional standards and continuous improvement? Dudley are embarking on an exciting journey of improvement. We have strengthened capacity at Associate Director level with four permanent roles: AD Education and Inclusion, AD Quality, Performance and Improvement, AD Family Help and Safeguarding, and AD Corporate Parenting. We are now recruiting to our Principal Service Lead roles to further strengthen our leadership capacity.
Dudley Council is seeking an exceptional Principal Service Lead – Safeguarding & Quality Assurance to join our Children’s Services Leadership Team. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving practice excellence, strengthening safeguarding arrangements and ensuring high-quality services that improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
- Lead safeguarding, quality assurance and practice improvement, acting as the Strategic Principal Social Worker and driving excellence in social work practice across Children’s Services.
- Provide leadership across key safeguarding, quality and workforce development functions, ensuring strong governance, professional standards and continuous improvement.
- Drive learning, inspection readiness and performance improvement, working with partners and stakeholders to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
Who we're looking for:
We are seeking a visible, credible and ambitious leader with significant experience in Children’s Social Care and a proven track record of delivering service improvement and safeguarding excellence. You will bring:
Join us and help drive outstanding safeguarding practice, continuous improvement and better outcomes for children and young people across Dudley.
Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or onsite full time. All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
Principal Service Lead - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Dudley employer: Hurst Green
Hurst Green is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong emphasis on professional development and flexible working arrangements, the company empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of care-experienced young people in Brierley Hill. Join a passionate team that values relationship-building and offers opportunities for growth while making a positive difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Service Lead - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Dudley
✨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 Hurst Green.
✨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 Hurst Green!
✨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 Hurst Green, 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 Hurst Green 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 Principal Service Lead - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Dudley
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 Hurst Green:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hurst Green! 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 Hurst Green
✨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.
