A forward-thinking local authority in the South East of England is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take on the role of Head of Safeguarding and Quality Assurance within its Children’s Services division.
This pivotal role offers the opportunity to lead and shape safeguarding and quality assurance across the authority, driving continuous improvement in social work practice and ensuring positive outcomes for children, young people, and families.
🔹 Key Responsibilities:
* Provide strategic leadership to the Safeguarding and QA team, including oversight of CP Chairs, IROs, LADO, and QA functions.
* Champion best practice in safeguarding and early help, ensuring robust systems for scrutiny and improvement.
* Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to shape service delivery and prevent children entering care.
* Lead on budget management, service planning, and performance monitoring.
* Represent the authority in strategic forums and contribute to wider service development.
🔹 Candidate Profile:
* Strong understanding of integrated children’s services and partnership working.
* Inspirational leadership style with a commitment to equality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
* Hold a recognised Social Work qualification eg. Degree in Social Work, PGC in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent.
* Be registered with Social Work England.
* Hold an NVQ level 5 in Management or equivalent management qualification.
* Have extensive management experience including the management of change.
* Have significant experience directly related to the area of specialism.
* Have experience in successfully planning for and contributing to the Ofsted inspection process.
* Have extensive understanding of the legislative and policy framework around providing services to children, young people, and their families.
* Have experience of working within a Signs of Safety framework.
* Hold evidence of continuous professional development.
This is a high-impact leadership role for someone passionate about safeguarding and service excellence, with the autonomy to influence strategic direction and drive meaningful change.
📩 For more information or to express interest, please contact:
Penny Cronje – Senior Recruitment Consultant
📧 penny.cronje@connect2socialwork.co.uk
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