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- Tasks: Lead and manage the Department of Social Work, Counselling and Social Care at UEL.
- Company: Join the University of East London, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, hybrid working, and a competitive salary with great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education and community care while shaping future leaders.
- Qualifications: Doctoral-level qualifications and leadership experience in higher education required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to social justice and community wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 62443 - 71685 £ per year.
This job is with University of East London, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Salary: £62,443 to £71,685. Post Type: Full Time, Permanent. Closing Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026. Interview Date: Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Here at UEL we understand it’s about more than just a salary. It’s about the entire package on offer along with our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.
University of East London was founded in 1898. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers‑first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We’re committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a balanced, inclusive, and green future.
About The School
The School of Childhood and Social Care brings together expertise across psychology, education, counselling, social work, and international relations to improve lives across East London and beyond. The School educates the next generation of educators, psychologists, social workers, counsellors and community leaders, delivering research‑informed and practice‑based education that is grounded in social justice.
Our Three Academic Departments Are:
- Social Work, Counselling and Social Care
- Psychology and Human Development
- Education
Key Achievements:
- Outstanding Ofsted ratings for teacher education
- 1 in 10 teachers and 1 in 10 social workers in London are educated at the University of East London, and 1 in 6 students studying early childhood are on courses in our School
- Leading graduate outcomes in social work
- Top 500 global ranking in psychology (THE)
- World‑leading research in early years development (The Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth)
About the Department of Social Work, Counselling and Social Care
The department includes three subject areas, or ‘clusters’, and the following courses: BSc Counselling, MA Counselling and Psychotherapy, MSc/MA Counselling and Coaching (all of our counselling courses are accredited by the BACP), BA Social Work, BA Youth Work, MA Youth and Community Work, MA Social Work (all of our Social Work courses are accredited by Social Work England), BA Psychosocial Studies, BA Politics and International Relations, and MSc NGO and Development Management.
Our teaching embeds critical thinking, real‑life case applications, and skills aligned with professional roles in social care. In 2026, our students will have access to placements, and the opportunity to set up peer support groups aligned with their developing expertise, in our Community Counselling Service in the UEL Neighbourhood Health Hub.
Research conducted by staff in the department is explicitly grounded in the needs of our local communities and at‑risk populations. We aim to do the work that can be best done in our location. Our research regularly influences public health practice, national policy, and international debates on social and community care, mental health and wellbeing, and inclusion/access to justice for minoritised/marginalised groups.
About The Job
The role will involve leading and managing the Department of Social Work, Counselling and Social Care, delivering excellence across the full portfolio of academic programmes and activities, within the context of the operational and strategic development of the School, and in support of the achievement of the School’s KPIs and UEL’s Vision 2028.
As Head of Department, you will be part of the School’s Executive Team and work closely with our Director of Education and Experience, Director of Impact and Innovation, Director of Career and Enterprise, Marketing Officer, EDI Lead, and School Quality Leaders, as well as with the Vice Dean and Executive Dean of School, to create an outstanding student experience within an impactful research environment.
About You
- A doctoral‑level and/or professional qualifications and relevant experience, and evidence of scholarship in the form of recent publications.
- Evidence of leadership and management of course team(s) in higher education including experience of curriculum development and management of relevant programmes; development of practice‑based learning and authentic assessment strategies; and risk management.
- Experience of validation, quality assurance and review with students, professional bodies and employers.
- Ability to engage in strategic planning that leads to growth.
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills, an ability to work and deliver against deadlines, and to motivate and develop others.
- Demonstrate an understanding of equal opportunities issues within a diverse and multicultural environment.
Benefits Package
We care deeply about your wellbeing and offer a competitive salary DOE. The benefits include: 31.08% to 35.38% pension (7.4% to 11.7% from you, depending on your grade, 23.68% from us), 35 days holiday (plus 3 days over Christmas) plus bank holidays, hybrid working for most positions, and flexible working arrangements. We have a subsidised gym membership, 3 times base salary life assurance, a cashback healthcare scheme, and a wide variety of other generous benefits including discounts on Apple and Samsung products, holidays, clothing, fitness, lifestyle, dining out and weekly shopping.
Equal Opportunities
As an inclusive, equal‑opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We’re committed to closing the diversity pay gap and ensuring everyone at UEL can thrive.
Head of Department for Social Work, Counselling and Social Care in London employer: myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community
Contact Detail:
myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department for Social Work, Counselling and Social Care in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with alumni from your university. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you answer questions more authentically and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department for Social Work, Counselling and Social Care in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Department role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with UEL's mission to advance industry 5.0 careers. We want to see how you can contribute to our inclusive culture!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in curriculum development and management. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you tick. Share your passion for social work, counselling, and social care, and how you envision making a difference at UEL.
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website to ensure your application is considered. Double-check all the details before submitting, and don’t forget to meet the deadline on Wednesday 29 April 2026. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and challenges in social work, counselling, and social care. Brush up on UEL’s mission and values, especially their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also aligned with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you’ll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams, developed curricula, or implemented innovative strategies in higher education. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Their Community Focus
UEL places a strong emphasis on community engagement and research that impacts local populations. Be ready to discuss how your previous work has addressed community needs or how you plan to enhance student experiences through community involvement. This shows you understand the role's broader impact.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the department’s future goals, challenges they face, or how they measure success. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.