At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Corporate Parenting services to ensure safe and stable outcomes for Children in Care.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Be part of a culture focused on continuous improvement and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape strategies and influence policies that impact vulnerable children and young people.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with significant leadership experience in Children's Services.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Overview
In this senior role, you lead Corporate Parenting services to secure safe, stable, and capable outcomes for Children in Care, care leavers, and permanence; you will shape strategy, assure high-quality practice, and drive improvements across partner agencies.
You will manage Service Managers and frontline teams to deliver timely, evidence-informed support centred on children’s best interests.
This is a high-impact opportunity to influence policy, partnerships and services within Havering’s Starting Well agenda, and to lead a culture of continuous improvement and inclusion.
Responsibilities
- Provide visible, inclusive and values-led leadership across Corporate Parenting services
- Lead services supporting Children in Care, Care Leavers and Permanence with high standards of practice
- Drive service improvement via performance data, audits, QA and feedback from children and young people
- Ensure practice is evidence-informed and strengths-based to achieve lasting change
- Develop and support Service Managers and teams through supervision, performance management and workforce development
- Champion the voice of children and young people to influence service delivery
- Build strong partnerships with education, health, police and the voluntary sector
- Represent Havering in local, regional and multi-agency partnerships
- Manage resources and budgets to deliver value for money while maintaining outcomes
- Contribute to the Starting Well Senior Leadership Team and shape thefuture direction of Children’s Services
- Key requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with registration (Social Work England)
- Significant senior leadership experience within Children's Services
- Strong track record of improving practice quality, performance and outcomes in Corporate Parenting, Children in Care, Care Leavers or Permanence
- Detailed knowledge of children's social care legislation, statutory guidance and practice frameworks
- Proven experience in leading and motivating managers and teams
- Experience delivering service improvement through performance management, QA and learning
- Strong partnership working skills and ability to influence across a complex system
- Experience of budget and resource management
- Excellent analytical, strategic planning and decision-making skills
- resilience
- emotional intelligence
- influencing stakeholders
- knowledge of children's social care legislation and statutory guidance
- performance management
- quality assurance
Head of Service for Corporate Parenting in London employer: The London Borough of Havering
The London Borough of Havering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. With a focus on collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, employees benefit from tailored induction packages, regular supervision, and opportunities for professional development, all while enjoying the advantages of flexible working arrangements and excellent transport links. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community and shaping the future of early years support in a vibrant and green borough.
Contact Details:
The London Borough of Havering Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service for Corporate Parenting in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service for Corporate Parenting in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for The London Borough of Havering and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The London Borough of Havering
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with The London Borough of Havering, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for The London Borough of Havering.
