At Cheshire East we’re offering a rare opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of a system in transformation and to play a defining role in the next chapter for children and families in Cheshire East as we build something special, to last.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Service – Practice, Workforce and Quality Assurance (Principal Social Worker), based at Delamere House, Crewe. Providing the strategic leadership for social work practice, workforce planning, quality assurance and professional development across Children’s Services.
The role ensures that practice, sufficiency, and quality frameworks comply with legislative, statutory and inspection requirements, and that the workforce is stable, skilled, and supported.
The post also acts as the statutory Principal Social Worker, representing and championing the voice of social workers in senior forums and influencing service design, delivery, and improvement.
The role will work collaboratively with other professionals and organisations to achieve best practice in social work.
The role will influence decision making and service delivery at senior management level, providing challenge where necessary, in partnership with the Directors, Executive Director for Children’s Services (statutory DCS) and Lead Member for children’s Services.
This role supports the Council’s key vision and values and provides a key role in provision of outstanding services for local residents. The role will directly contribute to following Council Priority Plans.
- Budget and financial management
- Transformation Plan
- Children’s Services Improvement Plan
- LGA Peer Challenge.
In this role you will lead on
- The development and implementation of practice frameworks, standards and models across all service areas
- Quality assurance strategy, development of frameworks and cyclical learning systems.
- Workforce development strategy, workforce sufficiency planning and recruitment and retention programmes.
- Inspection readiness activity, self-assessments and improvement planning with senior leaders.
- Development and maintenance of children’s social care policies and procedures
- Social Work health check
- Contact with higher education institutions, regional PSW networks and national bodies
What you’ll bring
- Qualified social worker registered with Social Work England
- Advanced social work qualification and management qualification or equivalent leadership experience.
- Extensive experience in Children’s Social Care with a strong delivery record at senior level.
- Extensive experience working with multi-agency partners and with children in need or at risk of abuse / neglect, including deep knowledge of child protection and cared-for children.
- Demonstrable ability to deliver high-quality services, advice and guidance and to prepare for statutory inspections
- Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-racist practice and adherence to health and safety requirements.
To arrange a confidential conversation about this post prior to application, please contact Karen Potts (executive assistant to Dawn Godfrey, Executive Director Children’s Service) on 01270 686275 or karen.pott2@cheshireeast.gov.uk.
In return we are able to offer
- Enhanced annual leave– Start with an impressive34 days of annual leave(including bank holidays) from day one, and watch it grow to 39 days after just five years of service
- Purchase of annual leave –Want more time off? You can purchaseup to 10 extra daysof annual leave each year, giving you the flexibility to balance work and life just the way you want (Pro-rata for part-time staff)
- Flexible working pattern– Enjoy a37-hour standard full-time work weekwith the added perks of flexi-time and hybrid/remote working arrangements where possible. Your work-life balance just got a whole lot better
- Salary sacrifice green car scheme– Drive green and save green! Lease a brand-new electric or hybrid car through our salary sacrifice scheme.There’s no credit checks, no deposits, just significant savings and exclusive offers on a three-year lease
- White goods salary sacrifice scheme –Upgrade your home with ease. Purchase home and electronic items through our salary sacrifice scheme, spreading the cost of big-ticket purchases like appliances, computers, and tech gadgets directly from your salary
- Enhanced public pension-Secure your future with ourcareer average pension, where contributions are built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay
- Cycle to work scheme –Save up to 25-39% on the retail price of bikes and safety equipment through Income Tax and National Insurance savings. Get fit and save money!
- Employee assistance programme– Access a completely free and confidential assistance service to help manage, reduce, and overcome life’s challenges, both at work and in your personal life
- Discounted gym membership –Stay active and healthy with corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure, including:
- Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities
- Off-Peak Racket Sports
- Athletics Tracks
- Sauna/Steam/Spa
Join us and experience a workplace that truly values and supports you!
#J-18808-Ljbffr…