Team Manager Children We Care For – Fixed Term Contract type Fixed-term Hours Full-time Department Children We Care For Salary Grade 13, £49,600 to £53,191 per annum MS from £8,717 pa Contact Mark Rodwell at mark.rodwell@iow.gov.uk or 01983 821000 Reference 2026_1782 Location County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight Closing date 30 April 2026 37 hours per week Fixed-term contact for 12 months The role is based on the Isle of Wight with agile and flexible work practices. The office location is County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight. About Us: We are a dedicated and compassionate organisation committed to providing safe, nurturing, and supportive homes for the children and young people we care for. Our mission is to ensure every child and young person is given the opportunity to thrive in a loving family setting. Creating change together with our children, families and professional colleagues to ensure all children achieve their aspirations. Job Description: We are seeking a motivated and experienced Team Manager to lead our Children We Care for Team, ensuring high-quality social work practice that promotes stability, permanency, and positive outcomes for children and young people we care for. In this key leadership role, you will provide clear direction, reflective supervision, and professional oversight to a team of social workers and practitioners. You will ensure that statutory responsibilities are met, care plans are robust and child-centred, and that every child’s voice is heard and acted upon. Working collaboratively with internal and external partners - including fostering, education, health, and leaving care services - you will champion strong multi-agency practice and drive continuous improvement. You will use performance data, quality assurance activity, and professional judgement to maintain high standards of safeguarding, care planning, and corporate parenting. This role requires a confident leader with a strong understanding of the legislative framework for looked after children, excellent decision-making skills, and the ability to motivate and develop staff. You will play a central role in shaping the experiences of children we care for ensuring they are supported to thrive. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage a team of social workers, providing supervision, support, and professional development. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures. Ensure you and your team are committed to your parenting in partnership responsibilities (corporate parent) Driving the participation agenda to ensure children and young people are listened to and acted upon. Ensure legal permanency is achieved for children we care for Use quality assurance to monitor and evaluate the performance of the team to ensure high standards of practice. Ensure life story work is embedded in all we do. Ensure the safety of children at risk of contextual safeguarding Work collaboratively with partners to promote the welfare of children. Ensure a focus on education and learning. Develop new legislative changes and keep abreast of best practice Manage budgets and resources effectively to deliver cost-efficient services. Maintain accurate records and prepare reports as required. Requirements: Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England. Significant experience in working with children we care for. Proven leadership and management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong understanding of relevant legislation and best practices. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities. Commitment to continuous professional development. About Us – A Service on the Rise We are 2 years into building a new Children’s Services on the Isle of Wight, following the conclusion of our 10-year partnership with Hampshire County Council. Since then, we’ve made significant progress, recognised through: Ofsted focused visits (October 2024 and February 2026) Peer reviews Support and recognition from the Local Government Association Our new senior leadership team is committed to creating a connected, child-centred directorate, where Children’s Social Care works hand-in-hand with Education, Inclusion, and Access services to improve outcomes for every child. Why Join Us? Our Mission: Creating Change Together Our Practice Model: Relational | Strengths-Based | Solution-Focused | Restorative Our Culture: Inclusive, supportive, and ambitious We believe that our staff thrive when they are valued, supported, and empowered. That’s why we invest in the right tools, conditions, and professional development to help you be your best. The Isle of Wight – A Great Place to Work and Live Whether you're relocating or already local, the Island offers a unique lifestyle —stunning natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and a real opportunity to make a difference in a place where your work truly matters. Ready to Lead Change? If you’re a Qualified and Experienced Social Worker registered with Social Work England, and ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, we’d love to hear from you. Be part of something special. Join us in shaping the future of children’s services on the Isle of Wight. We embody this model in all our relationships. We embrace an inclusive culture and will support you in your role and challenge you to be your best. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of children on the Isle of Wight! For further information or an informal discussion please contact Mark Rodwell at mark.rodwell@iow.gov.uk or by calling on 01983 821000. Closing Date for applications: Thursday 30 th April 23:59hrs Interviews will take place on Friday 8th May. Join TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including: Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays! Local Government pension scheme Discounted Solent ferry travel Island bus network discount Cycle to work scheme Staff parking permit scheme Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership National and local discounts & benefits schemes Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria) Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria) Find out more about Our culture and environment & living on the Isle of Wight