We are looking for an Operational Lead to join the Berkshire Emergency Duty Service (EDS) hosted by Bracknell Forest Council, a highly respected service delivering out‑of‑hours emergency social care across all six Berkshire authorities. This permanent part‑time role (28‑32 hours per week on a fixed rota of Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) offers the opportunity to support vulnerable children, adults and families during times of crisis while working with skilled professionals.
As Operational Lead, you will be a registered Social Worker with significant experience leading multi‑disciplinary services. You will have a person‑centred approach underpinned by a sound understanding of the legal, policy and practice frameworks across social care and health, ideally with substantial knowledge of Children’s Social Care. Adult Social Care and mental health knowledge is also desirable.
You Will Bring
- Strong operational leadership experience, with the ability to lead complex services and deliver high‑quality outcomes in fast‑paced environments
- Strategic resource management skills, ensuring effective prioritisation and deployment in the context of competing demands
- Confidence to challenge and influence partners, driving improved service delivery for children and vulnerable adults across Berkshire
- Experience using data and systems to monitor performance, evaluate impact, and support continuous improvement
- Financial awareness, including budget monitoring and resource oversight
- A strong commitment to workforce development, supporting and developing staff to achieve their full potential
- Experience managing sensitive complaints and customer relations, with professionalism and sound judgement
- Inspirational leadership, with the ability to innovate, motivate and embed a culture of excellence and continuous improvement
Key Responsibilities
- Drive improved outcomes for individuals and families by leading high‑quality responses in complex out‑of‑hours situations
- Provide decisive, visible leadership across a fast‑paced, multi‑disciplinary Emergency Duty Service
- Shape and deliver an ambitious performance, quality assurance and workforce development agenda
- Lead collaboratively with a high‑performing management team to embed excellence and continuous improvement across the service
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 days and sell up to 5 days (pro‑rata for part‑time)
- Hybrid working opportunities to support wellbeing and work‑life balance
- Paid employee volunteering scheme
- Local government pension scheme with life insurance cover
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Reimbursement of Social Work England registration
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA for certain benefits (terms and conditions apply)
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club (pro‑rata for part‑time)
Our values at Bracknell Forest Council are inclusive, ambitious and always learning. These values influence how we work together, serve residents and engage communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day.
Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be an inclusive employer. Candidates will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria, regardless of disability, armed forces veteran status or care leaver background.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check as part of the pre‑employment checks process.
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