Head of Service - Safeguarding & Assurance

Following our ‘Good’ Ofsted achievement in 2025, this is a great opportunity to join a department that has been praised by Ofsted for strong leadership, dedicated teams, and innovative Family Hubs, which reflects our commitment to building happier, healthier communities where every child can thrive. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is determined to provide consistently high-quality support and services for our children and families in line with our vision.

About the Role

As the Head of Service for Safeguarding and Quality Assurance you will have lead responsibility for our workforce development and improvement agenda, quality assurance framework, and leading our independent chairs to effectively support practice and ensure the best outcomes for children and young people are being achieved.

Responsibilities

• Lead responsibility for workforce development and improvement agenda.
• Oversee quality assurance framework.
• Lead independent chairs to support practice.
• Ensure best outcomes for children and young people.
• Understand the impact of social work practice.
• Support the Director of Children’s Services in leading direction and continuous improvement.
• Utilize a strong evidence-based approach for safeguarding unit responsibilities.
• Build networks and working relationships with key partners such as health, education, and the Police.
• Fulfill the role of the Principal Social Worker.
• Coach and mentor newly qualified social workers.
• Maintain a person-centred perspective in working arrangements.

Qualifications

To be registered with SWE.

Experience in these areas and a commitment to leading high standards and improving practice.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to develop and oversee excellent social work practice.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring.
• Understanding of legal parameters in social care.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with systemic practice models.
• Ability to innovate and improve outcomes for children.

Pay range and compensation package

Permanent, 37 hours per week.

For more information about this role, please contact Jo Siddle, Strategic Director for Children and Education via email: joanne.siddle@blackburn.gov.uk

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