At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality assurance to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to continuous improvement and safeguarding excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on safeguarding and quality assurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while driving service improvement.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Children’s Social Care and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 76597 - 81370 £ per year.
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking an exceptional Principal Service Lead – Safeguarding & Quality Assurance to join our Children’s Services Leadership Team. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving practice excellence, strengthening safeguarding arrangements and ensuring high-quality services that improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
- Lead safeguarding, quality assurance and practice improvement, acting as the Strategic Principal Social Worker and driving excellence in social work practice across Children’s Services.
- Provide leadership across key safeguarding, quality and workforce development functions, ensuring strong governance, professional standards and continuous improvement.
- Drive learning, inspection readiness and performance improvement, working with partners and stakeholders to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
We are seeking a visible, credible and ambitious leader with significant experience in Children’s Social Care and a proven track record of delivering service improvement and safeguarding excellence.
Join us and help drive outstanding safeguarding practice, continuous improvement and better outcomes for children and young people across Dudley.
For an informal discussion please contact Kirsty Hart on Kirsty.hart@dudley.gov.uk who can make necessary arrangements for a conversation with our Associate Directors.
Applications close: 31/8/26. The recruitment process consists of a young person’s panel and final interview. Interview dates will be confirmed following shortlisting. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.
Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or onsite full time.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK. If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk.
Principal Service Lead - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Brierley Hill employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Service Lead - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Brierley Hill
✨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 WMJobs.
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs, 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 WMJobs 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 Principal Service Lead - Safeguarding and Quality Assurance in Brierley Hill
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 WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! 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 WMJobs
✨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.
