Overview
As Service Manager, you will lead across a service that is ambitious, reflective, and forward-thinking. You will oversee strong, established teams who are passionate about their role and proud of the support they provide. This is a workforce that cares deeply about children, about each other, and about getting it right.
- Shaping and driving excellent practice, ensuring it remains child‑focused, evidence‑informed, and impactful
- Championing children’s voices, making sure their experiences are central to every decision
- Strengthening work with families and networks, recognising their importance in achieving stability and permanence
- Embedding a culture of learning and reflection, where practitioners feel valued, challenged, and supported to grow
- Leading innovation and continuous improvement in a service that is not standing still but looking ahead
This is more than a management role; it is an opportunity to influence the direction of an already strong service and take it even further.
You will be part of a supportive, experienced leadership team that values collaboration, authenticity, and courage. You will have the space to think strategically, the trust to lead, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference at scale. It is also a particularly exciting time to join Durham. We are building on our strengths, investing in our workforce, and continuing to evolve our approach to best meet the needs of children in care from placement stability and permanence, to strengthening kinship and family networks, to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who shares our values, passion, and ambition, a leader who:
- Believes in the power of great social work
- Is deeply committed to children and families
- Can inspire, support, and challenge others
- Brings energy, vision, and a relentless focus on improving outcomes
In return, you will join a council that genuinely cares about its children, its communities, and its staff, and where you can feel proud of the work you lead every single day.
Benefits
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.
Further, this post is eligible for a recruitment/retention allowance of £2,500 over 12 months (pro‑rated for part time workers). Payments are made in equal instalments across a 12‑month period alongside your pay. The allowance is subject to tax, National Insurance and pension contributions.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
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As Service Manager, you will lead across a service that is ambitious, reflective, and forward-thinking. You will oversee strong, established teams who are passionate about their role and proud of the support they provide. This is a workforce that cares deeply about children, about each other, and about getting it right.
- Shaping and driving excellent practice, ensuring it remains child‑focused, evidence‑informed, and impactful
- Championing children’s voices, making sure their experiences are central to every decision
- Strengthening work with families and networks, recognising their importance in achieving stability and permanence
- Embedding a culture of learning and reflection, where practitioners feel valued, challenged, and supported to grow
- Leading innovation and continuous improvement in a service that is not standing still but looking ahead
This is more than a management role; it is an opportunity to influence the direction of an already strong service and take it even further.
You will be part of a supportive, experienced leadership team that values collaboration, authenticity, and courage. You will have the space to think strategically, the trust to lead, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference at scale. It is also a particularly exciting time to join Durham. We are building on our strengths, investing in our workforce, and continuing to evolve our approach to best meet the needs of children in care from placement stability and permanence, to strengthening kinship and family networks, to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who shares our values, passion, and ambition, a leader who:
- Believes in the power of great social work
- Is deeply committed to children and families
- Can inspire, support, and challenge others
- Brings energy, vision, and a relentless focus on improving outcomes
In return, you will join a council that genuinely cares about its children, its communities, and its staff, and where you can feel proud of the work you lead every single day.
Benefits
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.
Further, this post is eligible for a recruitment/retention allowance of £2,500 over 12 months (pro‑rated for part time workers). Payments are made in equal instalments across a 12‑month period alongside your pay. The allowance is subject to tax, National Insurance and pension contributions.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…