At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality assurance in children's services, driving improvement and collaboration.
- Company: Join a well-established service in Plymouth, making a real difference for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate of £620, supportive environment, and immediate impact role.
- Other info: 26-week interim contract with opportunities for significant professional influence.
- Why this job: Shape strategic direction and enhance outcomes for children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience in children's social care and strong partnership skills.
The predicted salary is between 37035 - 45265 £ per year.
Interim Head of Service - Quality Assurance, Partnerships & Safeguarding role in Balsall offers £620 daily for a 37‑hour week, starting October 2026 on a 26‑week contract inside IR35.
Leading within Children’s Services, the postholder supplies strategic direction across safeguarding, quality assurance and multi‑agency collaboration.
Duties include advising senior colleagues, driving service improvement, upholding practice standards and securing positive outcomes for young people and families.
Candidates need substantial senior leadership experience in children’s social care, thorough knowledge of statutory frameworks, and a proven record of partnership working.
Strong analytical, communication and influencing abilities are essential, alongside the capacity to manage competing priorities and embed lasting change across a local authority setting.
- Location: Plymouth, Devon
- Contract: Interim (26 Weeks)
- Rate: £620 per day PAYE
- Hours: 37 per week
- Start Date: October 2026
- IR35: Inside IR35
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders and elected members on national policy, legislation and best practice.
- Lead and develop quality assurance frameworks to improve practice and performance.
- Drive continuous improvement across safeguarding services.
- Strengthen and maintain effective partnerships across the wider children’s workforce and key agencies.
- Ensure children, young people and families receive services that improve outcomes and promote safety and wellbeing.
- Monitor and evaluate performance against local and national expectations, implementing improvement plans where required.
- Support inspection readiness and contribute to strategic planning and service development.
- Lead, motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
About You
You will be an accomplished senior manager with substantial experience within Children’s Services and a strong track record of leading safeguarding and quality assurance functions.
You will be able to demonstrate
- Extensive leadership experience within a local authority children’s services environment.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and national policy.
- Experience of quality assurance, service improvement and performance management.
- A proven ability to lead complex partnership arrangements across multiple organisations.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience advising senior executives, directors and elected members.
- A strong focus on delivering improved outcomes for children and young people.
- What's on Offer
- High‑profile interim leadership opportunity.
- Opportunity to influence strategic direction and service improvement.
- Competitive daily rate.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Immediate impact role within a well‑established service.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Of Service - Quality Assurance, Partnerships & Safeguarding in Balsall Common employer: JAM Recruitment Ltd
BAE Systems is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance global security. Located in Christchurch or Frimley, you will be part of a diverse team dedicated to pioneering advancements in defence and aerospace, ensuring a rewarding career path in a company that values your unique skills and perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Service - Quality Assurance, Partnerships & Safeguarding in Balsall Common
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at JAM Recruitment Ltd and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Service - Quality Assurance, Partnerships & Safeguarding in Balsall Common
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at JAM Recruitment Ltd. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at JAM Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at JAM Recruitment Ltd, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that JAM Recruitment Ltd uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at JAM Recruitment Ltd.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at JAM Recruitment Ltd.
