Service Manager – Children´s Services

Role Overview

We’re seeking an experienced and values-led Service Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across Family Help and Child Protection services at Milton Keynes City Council. This pivotal leadership role within our Child First, Family Led approach will drive integrated practice, strong partnership working and high‑quality outcomes so children are safe and families supported to thrive. This is a site‑based role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visible leadership and management oversight across Family Help, Multi‑Agency Child Protection and Contextual Safeguarding services, ensuring safe, effective and timely practice.
• Lead change, co‑design and practice development aligned to the Child First, Family Led approach, driving high standards in assessment, planning and direct work.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with Police, Health and other agencies, contributing to and chairing multi‑agency forums where required.
• Ensure statutory duties and safeguarding guidance are applied effectively, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
• Oversee performance management, audit activity, risk management and service improvement, using data and feedback to improve outcomes and reduce demand escalation.
• Line manage Team Managers and oversee resources, including workforce development, recruitment, retention, budgets and inspection readiness.

Qualifications & Experience

• A qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration.
• An experienced leader with significant post‑qualifying experience in children and families social work, including substantial management experience and a strong track record of improving practice and outcomes.
• Highly knowledgeable about safeguarding, statutory responsibilities and assessment frameworks.
• Confident in delivering robust supervision and quality assurance, using audit, performance information and feedback to drive improvement.
• Able to manage competing priorities, risk and resources in a complex operational environment.
• A clear and confident communicator who works effectively with colleagues, partners, children and families.
• Someone whose approach reflects our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.

Additional Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Pre‑employment checks including Enhanced DBS checks (unless currently registered with the DBS Update Service).

Benefits

• Great holiday benefits – most roles include 28 days annual leave, increasing to 32 days after five years, with a holiday purchase scheme allowing up to five additional days.
• Excellent pension – access to the national Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Full range of family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity support and childcare subsidy.
• Employee benefits programme with health cash plan, low‑cost bike purchase scheme, high‑street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme – low‑cost leasing of electric and low‑emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card – discounts for social care staff from national retailers and local businesses.

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