We are looking for a Service Manager to lead our newly created Child Protection and Allegations Management Service. This is a brand-new leadership role, created as part of our response to the national reform of children’s services, offering a unique opportunity to shape and influence practice at a critical time.
You will also support the development and delivery of wider service priorities.
If you would like to know more, we encourage you to contact Sarah Edwards, Service Manager (sarah.edwards@durham.gov.uk) or Caley Banks, Strategic Manager (caley.banks@durham.gov.uk).
We are passionate about social work in County Durham. We are committed to providing a culture where good practice can flourish.
You will be part of an experienced and supportive leadership team, and you will benefit from high quality professional supervision, a great induction, and access to our strong learning and development offer.
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.
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List an, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation.
Please be aware that we are expecting a high volume of high quality applications for this post so shortlisting may take up to a week after the closing date. Please don’t worry if it takes just over a week for us to confirm next steps.
Interviews are expected to be held on 10th July 2026 at Spennymoor Council Offices, DL16 1JQ.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
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. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentCYPS@durham.gov.uk. All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
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