Head of Quality & Safeguarding

Head of Quality & Safeguarding

Thatcham Full-Time 59961 - 65471 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead quality assurance and safeguarding in Adult Social Care, ensuring high standards.
  • Company: Join the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead's dedicated Adult Social Care Leadership Team.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while championing excellence in care.
  • Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience in quality assurance and safeguarding required.
  • Other info: Hybrid working available with opportunities for professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 59961 - 65471 £ per year.

Join Our Adult Social Care Leadership Team – Champion Excellence in Quality and Safeguarding

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Quality and Safeguarding to join us!

Are you ready for your next step in 2026?

Are you already a Service Manager or an experienced Team Manager ready to take the next step, do you want to work in a smaller Local Authority, with a big heart for people, this role is for you.

Our latest staff survey shows:

  • 92% of colleagues feel their work is meaningful
  • 87% say their line manager demonstrates the council’s values

But don’t just take our word for it—watch our staff videos to hear directly from our teams about what it’s like to work here: 👈 Adult social care careers | Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

About the role

As Head of Quality & Safeguarding, you will provide strategic leadership of our Quality & Safeguarding Service, bringing together our Safeguarding & DoLS Hub and the new Practice Development Team. You’ll work hand‑in‑hand with our professional leaders to raise practice standards, strengthen governance, and ensure safe, person‑centred care across Adult Social Care. You will have direct oversight of the Principal Social Worker (PSW), Principal Occupational Therapist (POT), CHC Lead, and Policy, Research & Information Officer, embedding learning, audit and continuous improvement across all teams.

Why join RBWM?

RBWM is on a transformation journey—Living Well Together—with a clear vision inspired by Social Care Future: to enable people to live in the place they call home, with the people and things they love, in communities that look out for one another, doing the things that matter to them. You will play a central role in delivering that vision through safeguarding leadership, practice development, and quality assurance.

What you’ll lead

  • Safeguarding Hub & DoLS: Oversight of section 42 enquiries, MSP, Multi Agency Risk Framework, and DoLS authorisations; ensuring timely, lawful and compassionate practice. Be the strategic lead for safeguarding, working in partnership with other agencies.
  • Practice Development Team: Professional governance and development via the Principal Social Worker and Principal Occupational Therapist functions; strengthening supervision, audit and reflective practice. Working closely with our performance team.
  • Transformation: Having a central role within the leadership team helping to develop strategy and shape policy.

Key responsibilities

  • Set and monitor practice standards across ASC; lead the Quality Assurance Framework, thematic audits and learning loops.
  • Provide expert safeguarding leadership; strengthen governance, performance, and MSP outcomes.
  • Ensure robust DoLS processes and MCA practice, working closely with legal and partners.
  • Lead professional development via the Principal Social Worker and Principal Occupational Therapist; champion supervision, reflective practice, ASYE/practice education expectations.
  • Drive provider quality with the Care Quality Assurance Team; chair risk/quality meetings and coordinate multi‑agency actions.
  • Contribute to transformation programmes and workforce strategy within Living Well Together, aligning improvements to the Adult Social Care Strategy and Council Plan.

What you’ll bring

  • Leadership experience in adult social care safeguarding/quality with clear impact on practice and outcomes.
  • Deep knowledge of the Care Act, MCA/DoLS, and safeguarding statutory guidance, with confidence to lead complex risk management.
  • Strong audit, governance, and improvement skills; ability to turn insights into coaching, standards and measurable change.
  • Collaborative, values‑driven leadership—able to inspire professional communities and build effective multi‑agency partnerships.

Interview Date 28th January 2026

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Kate Concannon (Deputy Director Adult Social Care) at kate.concannon@rbwm.gov.uk.

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Head of Quality & Safeguarding employer: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With generous benefits such as 32 days of annual leave, flexible hybrid working options, and a robust Local Government Pension Scheme, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in adult social care.
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Contact Detail:

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Quality & Safeguarding

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Adult Social Care sector, especially those already working at the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. A friendly chat can give us insights into the role and might even lead to a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in quality assurance and safeguarding. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges and innovations in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice our answers to common interview questions, especially those around leadership and safeguarding. We should be ready to share examples of how we've championed quality and driven improvements in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team and contributing to their vision.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality & Safeguarding

Quality Assurance
Safeguarding Governance
Professional Standards
Reflective Practice
Knowledge of Care Act
Knowledge of Mental Capacity Act
Continuous Improvement
Learning Culture
Accountability
Co-production
Strategic Leadership
Compassionate Care
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Quality and Safeguarding. We want to see how you can champion excellence in quality and safeguarding, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a strategic leader, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive continuous improvement. Use examples from your past experiences that illustrate your leadership style and how you've successfully implemented quality assurance and safeguarding governance.

Be Person-Centred: Remember, this role is all about delivering safe, person-centred care. We’d love to see how you’ve put people at the heart of your work in previous roles. Share stories that reflect your commitment to compassionate care and professional standards.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!

How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

✨Know Your Legislation

Familiarise yourself with the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act. Be ready to discuss how these laws impact quality assurance and safeguarding in adult social care. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about compliance and compassionate care.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in fostering a culture of learning and accountability. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in previous roles. This will demonstrate your fit for a leadership position.

✨Emphasise Collaborative Practice

Discuss your experience working with multidisciplinary teams. Share specific instances where you’ve championed co-production and inclusive practices. This aligns perfectly with the role’s focus on building healthy communities and delivering person-centred care.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the current challenges the team faces in quality assurance and safeguarding. This not only shows your interest but also your proactive approach to understanding the role and its impact.

Head of Quality & Safeguarding
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Location: Thatcham
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