Head of Mental Health, Learning Disability & Autism in Trafford

Working Pattern: Full time

Working Arrangement: Monday to Friday

Interview Date/Type: Thursday 24th September / Face to face

SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.

About the Role

Lead Transformation. Shape the Future. Make a Difference.

This is an exciting time to join Trafford Council. We are seeking an exceptional and inspiring leader to join our Adults & Wellbeing Directorate as our Head of Mental Health, Learning Disability & Autism Services.

Following the dissolution of the Section 75 partnership arrangements with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Trafford's Mental Health Service has returned under direct Council leadership. This presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of Mental Health Services within Trafford, influence strategic direction and lead transformational change across mental health, learning disability and autism services.

As a key member of the Adults & Wellbeing senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering our vision for high-quality, person-centred services that empower people to live independent, fulfilling lives and achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.

As Head of Mental Health, Learning Disability & Autism Services, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe and effective support for Trafford residents. You will lead on service improvement, transformation and innovation, working collaboratively with partners across health, social care, housing, the voluntary sector and Greater Manchester to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and develop services during a period of significant change and opportunity. With Mental Health Services now operating under direct Council leadership, you will be instrumental in developing a modern, integrated and strengths-based approach that places residents and communities at the heart of everything we do.

You will lead Trafford's Mental Health Social Work Service and Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Hub, ensuring the effective delivery of the Council's statutory responsibilities under the Mental Health Act. As the professional lead for Mental Health Social Work, you will champion outstanding practice, professional development and workforce excellence, whilst strengthening partnerships across the wider health and care system.

The role carries responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding legislation, together with oversight of service quality, performance, workforce development, financial management and continuous improvement. You will be expected to provide visible and inspirational leadership, creating a culture that encourages innovation, empowerment and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for residents.

As Trafford continues its ambitious improvement and transformation journey, you will have the opportunity to influence strategic developments across Adult Social Care and contribute to the future design and delivery of Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Services.

About You

We are seeking an ambitious, forward-thinking and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving the lives of people with mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism.

You will have significant senior leadership experience within Adult Social Care, Mental Health, Learning Disability and/or Autism Services, together with a strong understanding of the legislative and policy frameworks that underpin these services. You will bring substantial experience of leading complex services, driving transformation and delivering sustainable improvements within challenging and evolving environments.

You will be an engaging and collaborative leader with the ability to build strong relationships and partnerships across organisational boundaries. You will have excellent communication and influencing skills, a strong commitment to professional practice and a track record of delivering positive outcomes for residents, carers and communities.

You will be comfortable leading through change, supporting and developing teams, and creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered and motivated to achieve their best. Most importantly, you will share Trafford's ambition to deliver outstanding public services and your leadership will be driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Services within Trafford and to make a lasting difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents.

Additional Information

• An enhanced/basic DBS Check with adults barred list will be required.
• Willing and able to travel locally and nationally as required.
• Working unsocial hours/weekend working may be required.
• There will also a staffing panel on Wednesday 23rd September and this will be held on Microsoft Teams.

Find Out More.

For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Lyndsey Quirk (Director of Social Work & Social Care) at lyndsey.quirk@trafford.gov.uk

About us...

Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”

Our Culture...

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.

They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What you'll love about working with us...

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
• Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
• Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
• Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you’ll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
• Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
• Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
• Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Key Information...

• Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
• Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
• Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council

Supporting Documents

Head of Mental Health