Location: Civic Campus, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JG
Hours Per Week: 35.00
Start Date: Immediate Start
Start Time: 07:30
End Time: 17:00
Salary: £370.132 - 3 days working in the office
Be fully responsible for all aspects of service delivery and performance management of the FFP and wider care reforms programmes. To set clear key objectives for the short, medium and long term including overall business performance and improvement targets.
To lead the service areas preparation and action planning for inspection outcomes, including any DfE requirements. To work as part of the wider Children’s Services Senior Leadership Team to improve outcomes for all children in Swindon in line with our vision and priorities.
Provide strategic and practice leadership across all elements of the transformation and improvement/reform agenda within children's services alongside promoting effective partnership working. To ensure an effective governance structure, including programme board, workstreams, RAG reporting and risk registers. Roadmap milestones delivered on time and within agreed resource envelope.
To ensure statutory responsibilities Section 11, statutory guidance, Working Together 2023 are met. Lead the development and delivery of the roadmap to implementing national and local social care reforms, ensuring clear milestones, strong governance and measurable outcomes.
Co‑design, pilot and embed new models of working including Early Support, Multi‑agency Child Protection Service/s, Family Help Teams, Fostering and Kinship support building on current strengths. Develop further existing family group decision‑making approaches.
Translate reform objectives into operational reality, supporting managers and practitioners to adopt new ways of working while fostering a culture of reflection, learning and continuous improvement across Children’s Services.
Work closely with partners across education, health, police and the voluntary sector to strengthen integrated working and joint accountability. Use data, feedback and evaluation to evidence impact, inform decision‑making and refine our roadmap as reforms progress.
Develop and implement co‑production models with children, families, young people and carers across the Early Support and Social Care systems. To proactively contribute towards the work of the Swindon Safeguarding Partnership by ensuring progress is reported to SSP Executive.
Supplementary Accountabilities: Provide formal reports and evidence of impact to the Swindon 2028 Transformation Board, Children’s Improvement Board, SSP Executive and other key strategic forums and to ensure alignment to other council and partners transformation agendas. To represent Swindon on local, regional and national platforms. Liaise with senior leads, appointed advisors and caseworkers within various parts of the Department of Education. Develop business cases and business plans and maximise any income opportunities through accessing further grant funding.
Qualifications: Essential or Desirable Degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work
Knowledge and Experience: Substantial post‑qualification experience in children’s social care, ideally including service transformation or reform. Strong track record of leadership within children’s services and a senior level experience of successfully implementing large‑scale projects, experience of developing or implementing large‑scale service improvement or transformation programmes. Experience of preparation and action planning for improved inspection outcomes across ILACS, JTAI and other inspection frameworks. Demonstrate knowledge of project management tools and techniques, working with multi‑skilled and matrix‑managed project teams. Comprehensive knowledge of current legislation, statutory guidance and national social care reform agendas. Excellent analytical, communication and partnership‑building skills.
Aptitudes, Skills and Competencies: Ability to bring both strategic insight and operational credibility, able to connect high‑level vision with the realities of frontline delivery. Confident in leading change, influencing across systems and inspiring others to deliver excellence in practice. Ability to present complex written and verbal communication to a high standard of delivery. Ability to manage self and others recognising the impact of change and transformation of staff and systems. Capacity to restoratively challenge and support leaders across systems and organisations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Care – Head of Service Improvement in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children's social care sector, especially those who are already in leadership roles. Attend events or webinars where you can connect with potential colleagues and decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the key objectives of the role. Familiarise yourself with Swindon Borough Council's vision and priorities, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals for service improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented large-scale projects or transformed services in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead change effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Service Improvement role. Highlight your relevant experience in service transformation and leadership within children's services, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use concrete examples of how you've successfully implemented large-scale projects or improved inspection outcomes. This will help us see your potential to drive change in Swindon.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
