Practice Development Manager

We are recruiting for a Practice Development Manager to join the Hillingdon Adult and Children’s Safeguarding Partnership and Quality Assurance function on a permanent basis. This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of high-quality, effective safeguarding and quality assurance activity for children and young people.

You will play a central role in progressing the strategic priorities of the Safeguarding Children Partnership, leading on partnership-based quality assurance activity. The role involves coordinating multi-agency subgroups, overseeing and analysing audits and reviews, and promoting learning from practice to strengthen safeguarding and improve outcomes for children across the borough. You will help develop practical tools, strategies and resources that support high-quality, safe and consistent practice. As part of the wider Quality Assurance service, you will also contribute to internal frameworks and drive improvements through professional challenge, consultation and support.

We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of safeguarding, confident working across systems and committed to improving outcomes for children and families.

What you will need:

• Experience of working in a safeguarding, quality assurance or partnership development role.
• Knowledge of statutory safeguarding duties and multi-agency working.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Experience coordinating audits, reviews or learning activity across services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation.
• Confidence to lead meetings and support multi-agency groups.
• Ability to design and deliver training, briefings or learning events.
• A collaborative and reflective approach to working with internal and external stakeholders.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and promoting high standards of safeguarding practice.

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly. The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• Professional Registration Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.