Head of Service - Enhanced Support, Safeguarding and Quality Monitoring

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

Role

This is a pivotal leadership role — one where your vision, expertise and influence will directly strengthen safeguarding practice, enhance quality, and ensure we deliver outstanding outcomes for our residents. This is more than a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to shape the future of adult social care locally. This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Responsibilities

• Lead and strengthen safeguarding practice, ensuring the highest standards of protection and accountability
• Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement across services, embedding a culture of excellence
• Provide strategic oversight of Enhanced Support services, aligning delivery with our wider transformation ambitions
• Inspire and develop high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams, championing integrated and neighbourhood‑based ways of working
• Ensure statutory excellence, delivering against the Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and wider policy frameworks
• Build and influence powerful partnerships across health, the Integrated Care System, voluntary sector and criminal justice agencies
• Oversee significant budgets, ensuring sustainability, value for money and impactful outcomes
• Play a key role within the directorate leadership team, shaping strategy, driving transformation and contributing to corporate priorities

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way: 0-1 day in the office. Includes field workers who primarily work remotely. Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We’re looking for a confident, values-driven leader who combines professional credibility with strategic vision. You will bring:

• A recognised qualification in Social Work or Occupational Therapy, with current professional registration
• Substantial senior leadership experience in adult social care
• Deep expertise in safeguarding, quality assurance and legislative frameworks
• A strong track record of leading complex services, partnerships and budgets
• The ability to lead, influence and inspire, bringing people with you through change
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and strategic thinking skills
• A genuine commitment to inclusive practice and improving outcomes for residents

Benefits

At North Somerset Council we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

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

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.