Service Manager - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Knowsley

Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024.

We are an Accredited employer under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter, demonstrating that we are committed to the principle of fair employment and we are dedicated to providing a healthy, fair, inclusive and just workplace.

Our local authority is in a strong financial position, with a balanced budget that ensures stability and growth. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a Senior Leadership Team committed to making a positive impact in our community.

Are you an experienced leader who is passionate about safeguarding children and strengthening the quality of practice across Children's Social Care? Knowsley Council is seeking an exceptional Service Manager for Safeguarding and Quality Assurance to provide strategic leadership across our quality assurance, safeguarding and improvement functions. This is a unique opportunity to drive high standards, embed a strong learning culture, and ensure the voices and experiences of children and families directly influence service development and practice improvement.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a strong track record of leadership within Children's Social Care.
• Can inspire, support and develop high-performing teams.
• Has a deep understanding of safeguarding, quality assurance and performance improvement.
• Builds strong relationships and works effectively across multi-agency partnerships.
• Brings creativity, curiosity and a determination to deliver the best possible services for children and families.

Why Knowsley?

This is an exciting time to join Knowsley. We're investing in our workforce, strengthening our services and creating the conditions for excellent practice to flourish. You'll be joining an ambitious and supportive leadership team with a shared commitment to making a lasting difference for children and young people.

If you're ready to lead, influence and inspire, join us and help ensure every child in Knowsley has the opportunity to be safe, thrive and achieve their potential.

To find out more please visit the microsite: -

https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/senior-officer-recruitment

At Knowsley Council we will consider requests for flexible working. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, working from home, compressed hours, part-time.

We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.

Please note sponsorship is not available for this role.

Curious about how much a pension with Knowsley Council could be worth? Take a look at this public sector pension calculator to find out.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants.

At Knowsley we value our applicants and want them to feel well-informed and welcomed. If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley, please contact:

Laura Knights - Head of Service - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance

Telephone: 0151 443 4786

Email: Laura.knights@knowsley.gov.uk

Interviews will take place on 4 and 11 September 2026