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- Tasks: Lead and shape services for children and families in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Rochdale Borough Council, known for its innovative work with children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with strong leadership experience and knowledge of childcare legislation.
- Other info: Work in a modern building with excellent transport links and a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 61025 - 64969 £ per year.
Children’s Social Care
Salary: Up to £64,969 plus £10,000 annual Market Factor Supplement
Full-time
Join Rochdale’s Visionary Leadership Team
We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join Rochdale Borough Council as Strategic Head of Service (Corporate Parenting) within Children’s Social Care with responsibility for Cared for Children & Cared Experienced Young People, Residential Services, and Fostering & Adoption Services. This pivotal role will shape and lead the strategic development and delivery of services that safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and their families. Rochdale is nationally recognised for its innovative and impactful work with children and families with OFSTED recognising our ambitions for children and families in Rochdale as part of a recent focus visit. Our strong partnerships and pioneering Family Safeguarding Model place relationships at the heart of our practice. We are proud of our culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
The Opportunity
As Strategic Head of Service for Corporate Parenting, you will work closely with the Assistant Director of Children’s Social Care to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality services. You will lead strategic planning, drive service transformation, and collaborate with key stakeholders to deliver integrated, outcome-focused support for children and families. You will also be a key member of the Children’s Services Senior Management Team, helping to shape services in response to national and local policy developments.
Key Responsibilities
- System Leadership Drive strategic alignment with national policy and local priorities, ensuring services reflect the Council’s vision.
- Quality of Practice Embed evidence-based, trauma-informed, and relational practice across all services, fostering a culture of high performance and innovation.
- Communication & Engagement Provide visible, motivational leadership that inspires teams and promotes continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
- Managing Resources Build a confident, capable, and resilient workforce through ethical leadership, reflective supervision, and professional development.
- Quality Assurance & Performance Management Contribute to strategic planning and delivery of key service plans, including the Children’s Services Plan.
- Organisational Development Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across all services, ensuring timely completion of Equality Impact Assessments and action plans.
About You
You will be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England, with a strong track record in senior leadership and management. You will bring:
- In-depth knowledge of childcare legislation, national strategies, and emerging policy developments.
- Proven ability to lead in complex, high-pressure environments.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and service excellence.
Please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the person specification and includes reference to your qualifications as outlined in the person specification.
Assessment & Interview
Candidates will be required to complete a short assessment exercise on the day of the interview and present to the panel. A young person’s panel will also form part of the selection process. Interviews will take place at Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU on Monday, 2nd March 2026.
Why Rochdale?
We are proud of our values:
- Proud of the difference we make
- Passionate about the diversity of our Borough
- Pioneering and open in our approach
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Rochdale Borough Council is part of the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment, recognising continuous service across GM local authorities and partner organisations.
We reward you with great benefits:
- Highly competitive salary with an opportunity to earn up to £1,000 extra, every year (£500 retention payment every six months)
- Green fleet car scheme with NHS Fleet solutions
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Staff recognition awards and celebration events
- Mileage payment and town centre parking scheme
- Up to 34 days annual leave with an option to buy more
- Paid for Social Work England professional fees
- Staff discount at popular retail and leisure sites
Other benefits
- Work in a modern, award-winning building
- Be conveniently located next to the Metrolink, bus exchange and a short walk from Rochdale train station
- You’re also a 10-minute drive from the M62 corridor
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this in your application.
Interested? To discuss the role further, please contact: Abu Siddique, Assistant Director Children’s Social Care Abu.siddique@rochdale.gov.uk
Strategic Head of Service NEW Rochdale Council Posted today Rochdale £61,025 - £64,969 plus £10[...] employer: Rochdale Town Hall
Contact Detail:
Rochdale Town Hall Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Head of Service NEW Rochdale Council Posted today Rochdale £61,025 - £64,969 plus £10[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who might know someone at Rochdale Council. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that assessment exercise! Brush up on your knowledge of childcare legislation and think about how you can showcase your leadership skills. Practice makes perfect, so maybe even do a mock presentation with a mate.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with the panel, let them know why you're excited about shaping services for children and families. Your enthusiasm can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Rochdale team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Head of Service NEW Rochdale Council Posted today Rochdale £61,025 - £64,969 plus £10[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for children's social care shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role. Use the job description as a guide to showcase how you meet the person specification.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rochdale Town Hall
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on childcare legislation and national strategies relevant to the role. Being able to discuss recent policy developments will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but also engaged with current issues in children's social care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
✨Engage with the Young People’s Panel
Since a young person’s panel is part of the selection process, be ready to connect with them. Show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives, and think about how you can advocate for their needs in your role.
✨Prepare for the Assessment Exercise
Don’t forget about the assessment exercise on interview day! Familiarise yourself with potential scenarios you might face as Strategic Head of Service and think through how you would approach them strategically and practically.
