At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform Family Help services for children and families in Portsmouth.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to supporting families and children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and community representation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and shape community support services.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification, senior leadership experience, and knowledge of child welfare legislation.
The predicted salary is between 76335 - 85316 £ per year.
We are seeking a Head of Service Family Help and Partnerships to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Family Help Service and hold additional portfolios for our Integrated Front Door (MASH), Partnerships and Family Support. Family Help is our way of working that brings together targeted early help and Child in Need support into a single, seamless offer. It replaces the traditional divide between early help and statutory services, making it easier for families to access support without stigma or duplication.
Key principles include:
- A whole‑family approach
- A single assessment and plan
- A dedicated Family Help Lead Practitioner
- Family‑led planning and co‑production
- Timely support from the most appropriate professional
The Role
As Head of Service, you will ensure the delivery of high‑quality, relational early help and statutory social work services for children, young people, and families. You will lead system transformation, continuous practice improvement, partnership integration, and delivery of the local authority’s key priorities. A significant element of the role includes leadership of the Partnerships and Family Support Service, acting as a strategic point of contact for key partners, including Solent NHS Trust, and overseeing services aligned with the Best Start in Life Strategy. This includes oversight of family hubs and parenting pathways, ensuring consistent, effective, and inclusive delivery. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead through Service Leaders and play a pivotal role in shaping a culture of safe decision‑making, co‑production, early intervention, and workforce development.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across Family Help, MASH, Partnerships and Family Support, ensuring that we consistently provide outstanding services to the children and families of Portsmouth.
- Lead system integration and service transformation aligned with national reform agendas.
- Ensure high‑quality, proportionate, and timely interventions that meet need, reduce risk and build family resilience.
- Provide strategic oversight of the MASH, ensuring effective multi‑agency working, consistent and considered decision‑making, and effective risk management.
- Drive continuous quality assurance and practice improvement using audit, learning reviews, lived experience, and inspection findings.
- Lead and support senior managers and multi‑disciplinary teams, building workforce capability, stability, and confidence.
- Manage performance, budgets, and commissioning arrangements.
- Represent the local authority at strategic boards and support and enable strong multi‑agency partnerships.
About You
You will be a credible, compassionate, and relational senior leader, confident in leading through complexity, ambiguity, and change. You will bring integrity, resilience, and a strong commitment to inclusion, co‑production, and rights‑based practice. You will have:
- A recognised social work qualification and current professional registration.
- Significant senior leadership experience within children’s services.
- Extensive knowledge of key legislation and frameworks, including:
- Children Act 1989/2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children
- SEND Code of Practice
- Family Help and national children’s social care reforms
- Experience leading large, complex, multi‑disciplinary services and portfolios.
- Strong strategic planning, transformation, and financial management skills.
- Experience working effectively with senior partners across complex systems.
- A proven track record of inspection readiness and improvement (e.g. Ofsted, CQC, JTAI).
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We believe that a diverse workforce leads to better outcomes for the children, young people and families we serve and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community we serve.
Working arrangements
The expectation is that role is office based a minimum of 3 days per week. We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard.
Why Join Portsmouth City Council?
- Be part of a service that puts families at the centre of everything we do
- Work within a supportive, learning‑focused culture
- Access excellent professional development and leadership support
- Make a real and lasting difference to children and families in the city
Safeguarding
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Head of Service, Family Help and Partnerships in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. As the Head of Service for Family Help and Partnerships, you will have access to excellent professional development opportunities and be part of a team that prioritises the well-being of families in the community. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and a focus on continuous improvement, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Portsmouth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service, Family Help and Partnerships in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who might know about the Head of Service role. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in family help services. Show us you’re not just familiar with the basics but also passionate about innovative approaches in social care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences leading teams through challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Portsmouth City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service, Family Help and Partnerships in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the Family Help Service!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Service, your leadership experience is crucial. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and managed complex services. We love hearing about your achievements!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for social care and how it drives your work with families.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key legislation and frameworks mentioned in the job description, like the Children Act and the SEND Code of Practice. Brush up on your knowledge about Family Help and national children’s social care reforms, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your senior leadership experience within children’s services. Think about times when you’ve led complex, multi-disciplinary teams or driven system transformation. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed performance and budgets effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various partners, be prepared to talk about your experience in building strong multi-agency partnerships. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with other organisations, like NHS Trusts, to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
The job highlights a focus on inclusion and co-production. Be ready to discuss how you’ve fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles. Share your thoughts on how diversity can lead to better outcomes for families and children, aligning with the council's values.
