At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the new Multi-Agency Child Protection Team to make a real difference.
- Company: Join Tameside Children's Services, committed to safeguarding and empowering families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and meaningful impact.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative service that transforms lives and supports communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in practice development and a passion for child-centred practice.
The predicted salary is between 55691 - 60036 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade K SCP 44 £55,691 SCP 47 £60,036
Hours Per Week: 36 Hours
Base Location: Tameside One, Ashton-under-Lyne
Interview date: 17th July 2026
The Role
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families? Do you bring compassion, curiosity, collaboration, conversation, and courage to your practice? If so, Tameside is looking for you. Join us at an exciting time for Tameside Children's Services. We are looking for an experienced, values-driven Service Lead to shape and lead our new Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT). This pivotal post, created as part of the Families First reforms, offers a unique opportunity to be part of the design and development of an innovative service at the forefront of national change.
At the heart of this role is our Heart of Support Practice Approach, underpinned by the 5 C's: Compassion, Curiosity, Collaboration, Conversation, and Courage. These values are the golden thread that runs through how we work with children, families, and each other.
We are committed to safeguarding and championing the welfare of children, young people, and families. Protecting and empowering our communities is at the heart of everything we do, and we expect every member of our team to share that commitment and help us make a meaningful difference.
You will be supported by the Head of Quality, Practice Assurance and Principal Social Worker with a comprehensive induction, ongoing training, and regular supervision to help you reach your full potential.
About You
We are looking for a strong, credible leader who has passion and determination to empower, enable, motivate, and develop the workforce. As this is a newly developed role, you will have a unique opportunity to shape and influence the future of the service bringing creativity, energy, and innovation to every aspect of its growth. You will play a crucial role in driving the successful implementation of the MACPT in Tameside, with the passion and determination to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.
You are someone who:
- Can confidently support a service through change, including the implementation of the Families First reforms
- Is passionate about delivering high-quality, child-centred practice and improving outcomes for children and young people
- Brings experience in practice development, quality assurance, and workforce development
- Inspires others, builds strong relationships, and positively influences across services
- Is reflective, resilient, and able to adapt to emerging priorities
If you are motivated to shape practice, strengthen culture, and embed learning across Children's Services, this role offers a genuinely exciting and crucial opportunity to make a lasting and meaningful impact.
About Us
Hear from Jill Colbert OBE, Director of Children's Services:
"When I first joined the council at the beginning of 2025 I was instantly charmed by the warmth, openness, and energy of my colleagues. The reason why I came to Tameside was because I knew we could do fantastic things for our families here. Whilst we're currently a children's service on a significant improvement journey, I'm proud of the progress we've made together, and this is already making a difference for our children. I know from the feedback from our Commissioner, Ofsted and our Strategic Improvement Partner, that families are seeing and feeling the impact of the thoughtful and compassionate support delivered by our workforce. We know that if we keep children at the centre of our thinking and our actions, we will create meaningful change for them that lasts. We are also growing and investing in our future. We have a range of specialist services for children, giving social workers quick access to expert help that makes complex decisions easier and supports better outcomes. Our Social Work Academy is led by people who bring passion to learning. We are strengthening our progression pathways so that staying in Tameside is rewarded and recognised. We have invested in innovation and improvement so that we can grow services and support for families that we can sustain, from family hubs through to complex safeguarding. Together, we are creating a proud, inclusive, and safe environment where great practice can truly flourish. And I feel incredibly privileged to lead this journey alongside such dedicated colleagues. Be a part of something great, be a part of our improvement journey and join us at Team Tameside."
Our Heart of Support Practice Approach
At Tameside, we believe in:
- Compassion - understanding the lived experiences of children and families.
- Curiosity - asking questions that lead to deeper insight and better outcomes for children.
- Collaboration - working together across services to deliver joined-up support.
- Conversation - listening and engaging meaningfully with children, families, and professionals.
- Courage - leading with courage, making bold and compassionate decisions that put children first.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the "About You" or "Supporting Statement" section of your application. This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English. Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.
Our rewards and benefits package can be viewed Here.
For further information about this role please contact Kayleigh Treanor, Head of Quality, Practice Assurance and Principal Social Worker on 0161 342 3398 or kayleigh.treanor@tameside.gov.uk
Service Lead MACPT in Denton employer: Tameside Council
Tameside Children's Services is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to professional development, our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing employees to thrive while shaping the future of child protection services. Located in Ashton-under-Lyne, we offer a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative journey, backed by comprehensive training and a focus on safeguarding and empowering our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Lead MACPT in Denton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Tameside Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Tameside Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Tameside Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Tameside Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Lead MACPT in Denton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Tameside Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Tameside Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tameside Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
