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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality assurance services to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, committed to strong leadership and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, Monday to Friday work-life balance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in children's lives while shaping high-quality safeguarding practices.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in Children's Social Care leadership and strong safeguarding knowledge.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture where social workers are valued and empowered.
The predicted salary is between 41 - 42 £ per hour.
Practice Manager - Children's Services (Safeguarding, Review & QA)
Location: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Hours: Monday to Friday
Pay Rate: £41-£42 per hour (Umbrella - non-negotiable)
Lead with purpose. Protect futures. Shape lives. Are you an experienced Children's Services Manager ready to step into a high-impact leadership role where your decisions genuinely change lives? Stoke-on-Trent City Council is looking for a Practice Manager / Principal Manager to join its Independent Safeguarding, Review and Quality Assurance Service. This is a pivotal role at the heart of safeguarding practice, ensuring children's voices are heard, plans are effective, and outcomes are strong.
Why Stoke-on-Trent? Stoke-on-Trent City Council is on a clear improvement journey and is committed to:
- Strong and visible leadership
- High-quality safeguarding and review practice
- A supportive, collaborative working culture
- Continuous improvement and professional development
Children are at the centre of everything the council does, and social workers are valued, supported, and empowered to deliver their best work.
About the Role
As Principal Manager (Practice Manager - Children's Services), you will:
- Provide leadership across safeguarding, review, and quality assurance services
- Ensure robust, timely, and child-centred decision-making
- Drive high standards of practice and continuous improvement
- Support and challenge practice to improve outcomes for children and families
- Work closely with senior leaders and multi-agency partners
This is a strategic leadership role with the opportunity to influence practice at both operational and senior levels.
What We're Looking For
- Extensive experience in Children's Social Care leadership
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, review, and quality assurance frameworks
- Confident decision-maker with a child-focused approach
- Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams
What's in It for You?
- Monday to Friday working pattern supporting work-life balance
- Opportunity to influence practice at a senior level
- Work within a council committed to improvement and staff development
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to children and families
About Guidant Global
Guidant Global specialises in Social Work recruitment, partnering with local authorities across the UK to connect experienced professionals with roles where they can make a real impact. To apply or find out more, please get in touch today. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manager seeking a rewarding leadership role within Children's Services.
Principal Manager - Children\'s in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Contact Detail:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Manager - Children\'s in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services sector. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent initiatives and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who’s genuinely interested in making a difference in children’s lives at Stoke-on-Trent.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve made impactful decisions in safeguarding or quality assurance. This will help you demonstrate your experience and confidence during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream role in children’s services.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Manager - Children\'s in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Principal Manager role. Highlight your experience in safeguarding and quality assurance, and show us how your leadership style aligns with our values.
Showcase Your Impact: We want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Use examples that demonstrate your decision-making skills and how you've improved outcomes for children and families. Numbers and results can really make your application stand out!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love detail, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points where possible to break up text and highlight your key achievements.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stoke-on-Trent City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding, review, and quality assurance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks influence your decision-making and practice. This shows that you’re not just experienced but also genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams. Stoke-on-Trent City Council values strong leadership, so make sure you demonstrate your capability to lead with purpose.
✨Be Child-Centric
Remember, children are at the heart of everything. Prepare to discuss how you ensure children's voices are heard in your practice. Share specific instances where your child-focused approach has led to positive outcomes for families.
✨Engage with the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s improvement journey and their commitment to high-quality safeguarding. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of making a meaningful difference.
