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We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Head of Service to lead and strengthen safeguarding services within Children’s Social Care. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a qualified social worker who can provide clear direction, inspire professional excellence and ensure children and young people receive safe, effective and timely support.

You will hold strategic and operational responsibility for safeguarding practice, working across social care and partner agencies to promote robust assessment, planning and decision-making. You will lead service improvement, ensure compliance with statutory requirements and contribute to the development of policies, procedures and practice standards. A key part of the role will be ensuring that children’s voices, experiences and welfare remain central to all decisions.

Your responsibilities will include managing and developing senior managers and frontline teams, monitoring performance and quality, and using data, audits and feedback to drive continuous improvement. You will provide professional leadership in complex and high-risk cases, support effective multi-agency working and promote a strong culture of reflective supervision, learning and accountability. You will also contribute to safeguarding partnerships, inspections, strategic planning and the effective management of budgets and resources.

Applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. You will have substantial post-qualification experience in children’s social care, including significant experience of safeguarding, child protection and statutory practice. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and inspection frameworks, alongside a proven record of leading change and delivering improved outcomes for children.

We are looking for an inclusive and collaborative leader with excellent communication, negotiation and decision-making skills. You will be able to build trusted relationships with professionals, families and partner organisations, manage competing priorities and maintain professional curiosity in challenging circumstances. In return, this role offers the opportunity to shape high-quality safeguarding services and make a lasting difference to children, young people and their families.