Audit & Practice Development Service Manager (Principal Social Worker)

Reference number: SC07430

Location: London

Schedule: Full-time

Salary Range: (Full time equivalent) - £57,678 - £71,742

Contract Type: Permanent

Lead with Purpose. Inspire Practice. Make a Difference.

Are you passionate about improving the lives of children and families? Do you lead with curiosity, compassion and courage? If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Southwark Council is looking for a passionate and committed Audit and Practice Development Service Manager (also known as the Principal Social Worker) to help strengthen our learning culture, drive high-quality practice and champion the voice of the child.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape best practice across Southwark’s Children and Families Services. You’ll play a central role within our Quality Assurance Division - overseeing audit and learning activities, building workforce capability and embedding a reflective, learning-focused culture.

You’ll lead the strategic development of quality assurance in relation to audits, learning, and workforce development - ensuring these functions operate effectively and support Southwark’s vision of being a learning organisation committed to meeting the needs of children, young people and families.

In this role, you’ll work not only within your own service area but also in partnership with other teams, agencies and groups representing children and families to help shape the highest quality services.

You’ll manage a team that includes Audit and Learning Leads, ASYE and Social Work Development Leads and business support staff. You’ll also lead on key strategic initiatives to strengthen social work practice and improve outcomes for children and families.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Quality Assurance and Practice Development, you’ll fulfil the key function of Principal Social Worker - driving innovation, improvement and equity across the division.

About You

You’re a reflective, values-driven leader with a strong track record in audit, learning or workforce development. You bring extensive knowledge of social work, current legislation and evidence-informed practice.

You build strong relationships with ease, influence a wide range of stakeholders and create the conditions for learning to flourish. With excellent analytical skills and sound judgement, you translate insights into real improvements in frontline practice.

You are committed to the values outlined in Southwark’s Borough Plan and your approach is child-centred, family-minded and focused on improving lives and building a fairer society.

About the Service

Southwark’s Quality Assurance Service is committed to continuous learning and improvement. We work collaboratively to understand what’s working well and where we can grow - ensuring the best possible support for children, young people and families.

As a member of the Service Management Team, you’ll benefit from:

• A bespoke learning and development programme.
• Peer support from experienced senior leaders.
• Executive coaching and dedicated time for service development.
• External ‘critical friend’ support.
• Monthly one-to-ones and flexible leadership guidance.
• A committed business support team.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds including those without recent QA experience - who bring strong leadership, relevant skills and a passion for this role.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tendai Murowe via email at Tendai.Murowe@southwark.gov.uk

Additional Information:

Hold a professional social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.

Working Hours: 36 Hours per week, Monday – Friday.

Type of contract: Permanent. JNC Benefits. DBS required.

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment Timeline:

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 1 June 2025.

Shortlisting date/s: Tuesday 3 June 2025.

Interview date/s: Thursday 12 June 2025.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.