At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Windle Valley Day Centre, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for older residents.
- Company: Join Runnymede Borough Council, a progressive council dedicated to community services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, excellent pension, free parking, and health insurance after one year.
- Other info: Exciting career pathways await as we build the new West Surrey Unitary Council together.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older residents while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and knowledge of safeguarding and health legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 20330 - 20330 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Surrey Heath and Runnymede Borough Council Community Services Partnership (and the future West Surrey Authority) as we continue our positive work supporting older residents to live active, independent and fulfilling lives.
As the Day Centre Manager, you will lead the safe and effective operation of Windle Valley Day Centre, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services for older people.
The Day Centre Manager will play a key role in creating a welcoming, vibrant environment for service users whilst leading a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
- Lead the day-to-day operation of Windle Valley Day Centre, ensuring a safe, welcoming and engaging environment.
- Manage and support a team of staff, volunteers and casual workers to deliver excellent services.
- Plan and oversee activities, events and wellbeing programmes for older residents.
- Manage staffing rotas and maintain service continuity during periods of absence.
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and compliance requirements are met.
- Manage budgets, financial records and the day centre's daily income and expenditure.
- Work collaboratively with families, health professionals and partner organisations.
- Oversee the centre's kitchen operations and meal provision for service users.
- Support the ongoing development and improvement of day centre services across the Community Services Partnership.
- Help shape the future delivery of services for older residents as the Council continues to develop and modernise its day centre offer.
- 29 Days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Excellent Pension Scheme
- Free Parking
- Training and development opportunities
- Payment of one professional membership per annum
- Cycle to work + further related discounts
- Season ticket loan
- Health insurance plan after 1 years’ service/ Dental after 3 years' service
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
About You
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate individual to join our team who can provide strong operational leadership and exceptional customer service for older residents using our day centre services.
- We are looking for exceptional candidates with a range of skills including:
- Experience managing staff within a care, wellbeing, community or customer-focused environment, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop teams.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety legislation, risk assessments and working with vulnerable adults.
- Experience managing budgets, maintaining accurate records and working with financial controls.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with service users, families and partner organisations.
- Competence using Microsoft 365 applications and electronic record systems, with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, resolve service issues and make sound decisions under pressure.
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above or equivalent) and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to work across multiple sites when required.
- About Runnymede
Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate, and progressive council with a forward- thinking attitude and award-winning departments.
As a Borough Council, we are committed to our core values which we demonstrate through our ongoing policies and projects.
We continually strive to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.
From March 2027, Runnymede Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of the Local Government Reorganisation across Surrey.
West Surrey will bring together the full range of local government services under one organisation, creating simpler, more efficient and more responsive services for our communities.
As one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, West Surrey will serve a diverse population across a region with a strong economy, vibrant communities, and significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
The scale and variety of our work will provide a wide range of career pathways, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to shaping an ambitious, modern, resident‑focused council.
It is an exciting time to join us as we build West Surrey together.
Runnymede Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with care support needs and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
You may be requested to present your identification at the interview stage and there will be several checks conducted during the onboarding process inclusive of an enhanced DBS check for specified roles.
We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.
All submitted information whether supported by AI or not must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.
Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
- £18,600 to £20,330 per annum for 25 hours per week (£27,528 - £30,089 FTE per annum)
Day Centre Manager employer: Runnymede
Runnymede Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises teamwork and exceptional customer service. With generous benefits such as 29 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and health insurance after one year, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Day Centre Manager
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Runnymede, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Runnymede. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Runnymede's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Day Centre Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Runnymede. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Runnymede.
How to prepare for a job interview at Runnymede
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Runnymede.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Day Centre Manager at Runnymede.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Runnymede that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Day Centre Manager role.
