Service Improvement and Strategy Lead Officer - Adult Social Care
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Salary £50,269 to £53,460 Per year
Contractual hours 37
Basis Full time
Region Fixed-Term / Full-Time
Job category/type Adult Services, Commissioning & Improvement, Social Services, Social Work/Care
37 hours per week – 6 Months fixed term contract. As our Service Improvement and Strategy Lead Officer, you’ll play a key role in developing and implementing our new improvement framework and action plan. You’ll ensure that Adult Social Care services are continuously improving, aligned with best practice, and ready for future inspections under the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) assurance framework. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the Role
Your work will help us deliver high-quality, person-centred services that make a real difference to residents’ lives. You’ll drive improvements through evidence, feedback, and innovation — ensuring learning is embedded across teams and outcomes are measurable and sustainable.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading on service improvement, policy development and strategy for Adult Social Care.
- Coordinating inspections, peer reviews, and CQC assurance activity.
- Conducting research, analysis, and consultation to inform strategic planning/decisions.
- Establishing mechanisms to capture and act upon feedback from service users, carers, staff, and partners.
- Supporting senior leaders to assess policy changes and implement transformation across the service.
- Provide high-quality advice, reports, and briefings to senior managers, elected members, and partners.
- Drive innovation and ensure compliance with best practice, legislation, and assurance frameworks.
About you
We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with strong analytical and interpersonal skills. You’ll have significant experience in service improvement, project management, and policy development — ideally within local government or a complex, multi-disciplinary organisation. You’ll be confident working with senior managers, partners, and stakeholders, and able to turn data and insights into meaningful action. Above all, you’ll be committed to collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
You’ll bring:
- A degree or equivalent experience.
- A strong understanding of adult social care policy, legislation, and CQC assurance requirements.
- Experience of delivering improvement and change in a large organisation.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving and analytical skills.A flexible and proactive approach to work.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team -
work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency -
show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious -
be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading -
maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- Maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
- Salary sacrifice scheme for Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help you save for your retirement.
Closing date: Sunday 23
Closing date: Sunday 23 rd August 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
Interview setup: Interview will be in person at the Civic Offices and be question and answer based.
Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to find out more about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services. It’s a chance to hear from the people who already work here and why they have chosen Reading as their professional destination.
Service Improvement and Strategy Lead Officer - Adult Social Care in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive community where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, teachers are encouraged to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a collaborative environment with dedicated colleagues. Located in a welcoming area, this school prioritises the welfare of its staff and students, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to grow and succeed.
