Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
The Sister Winifred Laver Promoting Independence Centre provides short‑term, time‑limited support to adults recovering from illness, trauma or a decline in functioning, with the aim of helping each person regain confidence, skills and independence before returning home. The service typically supports people for 4–6 weeks and works with up to 40 residents at any one time, with capacity for 60. Through a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, the team enables individuals to achieve meaningful outcomes, reduce or avoid the need for hospital or residential admission, and return to their usual place of residence with either full independence or a reduced level of ongoing support.
What You Will Get to Do
- Lead, motivate, and develop staff teams to drive high performance and a positive, person‑centred culture.
- Undertake registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as the Registered Manager for the service.
- Ensure full compliance with CQC regulatory standards and relevant health and social care legislation (including the Health and Social Care Act 2008, Health and Safety and Equality Acts, the Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding requirements).
- Oversee governance, quality assurance processes and robust auditing systems to ensure safe and effective service delivery.
- Lead service improvement activity, analysing trends, identifying areas for development and implementing change.
- Manage and investigate complaints, safeguarding concerns and enquiries, ensuring learning is embedded in practice.
- Support service users and their families to achieve their agreed outcomes, promoting enablement, independence, confidence, and high‑quality experiences.
- Deliver effective performance management, supervision, training and workforce development, tackling performance issues where necessary.
- Lead the development of service plans, policies, procedures and service development projects, using data and research to inform improvements.
- Act as a budget holder, ensuring effective financial management, value for money, and identifying alternative funding sources.
- Promote and lead multi‑agency working with health, social care, voluntary and community partners to ensure joined‑up and well‑coordinated services.
- Contribute to modernisation and continuous improvement across Adult Social Care services.
- Participate in the Enablement and Independence management on‑call rota for out‑of‑hours support.
What you will bring
- A Level 5 leadership qualification in health and social care (or equivalent, with willingness to complete Level 5 if required), Medication Management Level 3, hold a current drivers licence and access to a vehicle or means of mobility support and have the ability to travel independently.
- Strong knowledge of key legislation and frameworks including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding, Health & Safety, Equality Act, and CQC regulatory standards.
- Experience in managing or supervising teams, including performance management and leading staff to achieve high standards.
- Experience working with older adults or people with disabilities (and their families) within social care settings.
- Experience of conducting investigations, including safeguarding enquiries or complaints.
- Ability to work effectively within multi‑agency environments, building strong collaborative relationships.
- Strong IT, communication and organisational skills, enabling clear information sharing and effective service delivery.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Everyone's welcome here
We’re an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we embrace, and welcome diversity, being truly inclusive and demonstrating equality for all. We go the extra mile so that our approach is representative of the communities we serve and each other. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Please note
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application. Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
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