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- Tasks: Lead and transform adult social care services, focusing on independence and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council's Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships directorate, driving impactful change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a visionary team shaping the future of care and tackling inequalities.
- Qualifications: Must have a professional qualification in social care and substantial senior management experience.
- Other info: This role will transition to a new unitary council in 2027, ensuring job security.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
The salary for this role is £87,561 - £98,431 per annum, working 36 hours per week.
Are you a visionary leader passionate about transforming adult social care and improving lives? We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships directorate in the position of Assistant Director - Living & Ageing Well.
About Us
The Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships directorate is on a significant and ambitious transformation programme, with a focus on driving collaboration between the Council and Health in order to deliver our joint accountabilities to improve care and wellbeing outcomes to Surrey's adult population. A key focus is on independence, prevention and early intervention strategies, tackling inequalities and improving access to services to ensure that no-one is left behind.
You will be part of a forward-thinking leadership team, shaping the future of services for our residents. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference.
About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering high-quality adult social care services across a designated area of Surrey. You will lead locality and hospital-based teams, ensuring services are person-centred, outcome-focused, and promote independence and wellbeing.
You will drive strategic transformation, champion innovation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. With a strong focus on prevention, early intervention, and tackling inequalities, you will work collaboratively across the health and social care system to deliver integrated, impactful services.
Some of the key responsibilities for this role include:
- Providing strategic leadership for operational adult social care services, including safeguarding, assessments, and continuing health care.
- Leading and inspiring high-performing teams, embedding a culture of excellence and accountability.
- Representing the directorate at local, regional, and national forums, influencing policy and championing Surrey's vision.
- Driving service transformation and integration, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Managing significant budgets and contributing to the directorate's financial strategy.
- Building strong partnerships with health, community, and government stakeholders to enhance service delivery.
About You
We are looking for a proven and inspirational leader with the ability to work across geographies and health landscapes in conjunction with our partner Health organisations. You will be able to drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote a culture of ambition, performance excellence and accountability, aligned to public values and The Surrey Way.
Your application will clearly evidence that you have:
- A professional qualification in social care, occupational therapy, or a related health field.
- Substantial senior management experience in a complex social care environment.
- Deep knowledge of adult social care legislation, policy, and best practice.
- A proven track record of leading transformation and delivering improved outcomes.
- Political acumen and the ability to influence at all levels.
- A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive service delivery.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Living and Ageing Well
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the adult social care sector. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or local events to meet people who are already in leadership roles. This can help you gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the field, and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Surrey's specific health and social care landscape. Understanding local policies, key stakeholders, and current initiatives will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to the transformation programme during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in your conversations. Be prepared to discuss how you have implemented these values in previous roles, as they are crucial for this position and will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your strategic vision for adult social care. Think about innovative solutions you've implemented in the past and how they could be adapted to fit Surrey's needs. This will highlight your ability to drive transformation and inspire others.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Living and Ageing Well
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Director - Living and Ageing Well position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your senior management experience in social care and any relevant qualifications. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership skills and your ability to drive transformation in adult social care services.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for improving adult social care in your application. Discuss how you would approach strategic leadership and service transformation, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and tackling inequalities.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and goals of the Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships directorate. Mention your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive service delivery, aligning your personal values with those of the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Show Your Visionary Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully transformed services in the past, focusing on person-centred care and innovative solutions.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Surrey's current social care landscape and the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation. Being knowledgeable about local challenges and opportunities will show your commitment and readiness to tackle them head-on.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Approach
This role requires strong partnerships across health and community sectors. Be ready to discuss your experience in building relationships and working collaboratively to drive service integration and improve outcomes for residents.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Managing significant budgets is a key responsibility. Prepare to discuss your experience in financial management, including how you've contributed to financial strategies and ensured compliance with regulations while delivering high-quality services.
