Description
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
The starting salary for this role is £81,796 per annum, working 36 hours per week.
This is a 6-month secondment opportunity.
Are you an experienced leader passionate about safeguarding adults and driving service excellence?
Surrey County Council is seeking a dynamic Head of Adult Safeguarding to provide strategic leadership and expert guidance within our Adults Wellbeing & Health Partnerships Directorate. This is a pivotal role at the forefront of safeguarding practice, innovation, and partnership working.
Our Offer to You
1. 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
2. Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
3. A generous local government salary related pension
4. Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
5. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
6. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
7. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
8. Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
9. A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
As the lead expert for Adult Safeguarding, you will shape and deliver a service that meets statutory requirements and reflects best practice. You will provide expert advice and support, ensuring compliance with national legislation and guidance for Adult Social Care safeguarding. Working collaboratively with Health partners, you will lead strategic quality assurance for providers and champion equity and inclusion in safeguarding responses, particularly for underrepresented groups.
Innovation will be central to your role, driving co-production with people who have lived experience and embedding learning into commissioning cycles and contract monitoring. You will lead ethical safeguarding practices in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital surveillance and data sharing, while building leadership capability within the safeguarding workforce. Close collaboration with the ASC Academy and the Principal Social Worker will support continuous improvement and integration initiatives.
As a professional leader, you will inspire high standards and accountability within the safeguarding team, managing a staffing budget of up to £1 million and a team of up to 40. You will develop policy improvements, represent Adult Social Care at the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board and ensure effective collaboration with children's services. Your responsibilities will include leading major programmes and reviews, chairing sub-groups and driving strategic plans that deliver high-quality care for Surrey residents.
Work Context
The role sits within a directorate undergoing significant transformation, focusing on independence, prevention, early intervention, tackling inequalities, and improving services. You will work closely with the Adults Leadership Team to ensure safeguarding remains central to social work practice.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of adults with care and support needs across Surrey. You'll be part of a forward-thinking team, championing best practice and innovation in safeguarding.
Shortlisting Criteria
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our :
10. Degree or equivalent professional qualification, plus senior management experience in a complex business environment.
11. Authoritative understanding of safeguarding legislation and practice standards.
12. Extensive knowledge of change management, project management, and continuous improvement.
13. Experience of leadership and management at a senior level with advanced skills in inspiring, motivating, coaching, and developing teams.
14. Strong written and oral communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
15. Proven ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
16. Evidence of continued professional development and high-level safeguarding knowledge.
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area.Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our to get an insight into working at Surrey.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Contact us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For further information, please contact Sarah Kershaw, Director of Transformation Assurance & Integration, by email or on MS Teams.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 07/12/2025 with interviews to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here:
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
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