Reviewing Service Manager
Responsible To: Head of Quality Assurance and SafeguardingSalary: £57,940 - £63,616Are you seeking a challenging and fulfilling role? Look no further! Slough Children First aremitted to ensuring that all local children are happy, safe, loved, and thriving.
About Slough:
1. They take pride in being one of the most ethnically diverse local authorities in England. In 2021, 64% of our population came from
2. Global majority backgrounds, and an additional 12% were from a white non-British background.
3. Theirmunity boasts one of the youngest populations in the UK, with nearly 28% of residents aged under 18 pared to 21% nationally).
Slough’s Achievements:
Over the past year, Slough have achieved significant progress for their looked-after children. Their strategies, approved by the cabinet, include:
4. The Participation Strategy: Developed in partnership with key stakeholders, this strategy enhances Slough’s approach to participation, ensuring that all voices are heard.
5. The Children’s Sufficiency (Placements) Strategy: A crucial plan to meet the needs of children in care.
6. The Early Help Strategy: Shaped by input from various stakeholders, this strategy outlines Slough’s vision for early help services.
Location Advantage:
7. Situated at the crossroads of the M25, M4, and M40, they are one of the most accessible places to work.
8. Less than 20 minutes by train to Central London, our location offers convenience and connectivity.
Main Accountabilities:
Leadership Support:
9. Collaborate with the Head of Service to provide strong leadership within the service area.
10. Develop a clear vision for achieving positive oues for children on child protection plans and those who are looked after.
Conference Management:
11. Administer and chair initial and review child protection conferences as well as statutory reviews for children looked after (CLA).
12. Ensurepliance with relevant legislation and guidance.
Supervision and Support:
13. Provide high-quality supervision and professional support to Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) and Child Protection Chairs.
Child-Centric Approach:
14. Prioritise the views of children and young people involved in these procedures.
15. Record and act upon their perspectives wherever possible.
Consultation and Advice:
16. Offer consultation, advice, and information to operational staff in Children’s Services and other agencies.
17. Address matters related to Child Protection Conferences and CLA reviews.
Strategic Influence:
18. Provide expert advice to inform strategic priorities, development, and improvement activities.
19. Contribute to Slough Children First’s (SCF) successful realisation of its vision.
Project Leadership:
20. Take the lead on specific projects that enhance the ongoing improvement and development of the Reviewing Service and align with SCF’s vision and priorities.
Challenging the Norm:
21. Challenge effectively at all levels within SCF.
22. Foster a culture of robust and effective challenge to drive continuous improvement.
Conflict Resolution:
23. Address conflicts promptly, seeking resolution at the earliest opportunity.
24. Implement agreed-upon escalation procedures when necessary.
Learning Culture:
25. Embed a culture of learning and reflection within the Reviewing Service.
26. Share insights and learning across the broader SCFmunity.
Partnership Collaboration:
27. Collaborate closely with partners to ensure their contributions to Child Protection and CLA processes meet the required standards outlined in Working Together 2018 and Care Planning Regulations.
28. Provide a robust partnership challenge when standards are not met.
Safeguarding Participation:
29. Contribute to the operation of the Slough Safeguarding Partnership, actively participating in relevant activities.
Required:
Education, Training & Experience:
As a Reviewing Service Manager, we expect you to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Slough’s team. Here are the essential qualifications andpetencies:Management Expertise:
30. Significant management experience within children’s services.
31. A proven track record of collaborating effectively with various partner organisations to achieve measurable and sustained success.
Change Management and Quality Optimization:
32. Demonstrated success in managing change and optimizing value and quality services through effective service management.
Staff Management Skills:
33. Successful management of staff, including resolving conflicting interests and priorities.
Equal Opportunities and Service Delivery:
34. Evidence of achievement and a clear understanding of equal opportunities in both employment and service delivery.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
35. Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external agencies, staff, elected members, trade unions, andmunity groups.
Children’s Services Knowledge:
36. In-depth understanding of children’s services, including statutory duties, responsibilities, and policy requirements.
Public Sector Acumen:
37. Familiarity with public sector policies and performance frameworks related to services for children, young people, and families.
Professional Qualifications:
38. Professional Social Work Qualification.
39. Up-to-date registration with Social Work England.
Management Qualification:
40. Possession of a relevant management qualification.
PEPS Training:
41. PEPS training or a willingness toplete the training.
General & Specific Knowledge:Team Leadership and Motivation:
42. Ability to inform, listen, support, and motivate team members.
43. Confidence in challenging inadequate performance or unacceptable behaviour within the team.
Strategic Planning and Execution:
44. Proficiency in translating Service Plans into team plans.
45. Utilize these plans to manage and monitor work effectively.
Process Management:
46. Skill in managing business processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
47. Foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Collaboration and Customer Focus:
48. The ability to collaborate effectively with other services and stakeholders.
49. Identify and implement customer-focused improvements.
Corporate Alignment:
50. Ensure the team actively supports corporate activities and organizational goals.
Information Management:
51. Encourage team members to capture and share information appropriately.
52. Maintainprehensive case records using IT systems.
Issue Resolution and Adaptability:
53. Deal effectively with current issues as they arise.
54. Demonstrate the ability to adapt within existing plans when necessary.
Risk Awareness:
55. Stay aware of areas of ambiguity and risk within the service context.
56. Possess excellent verbal, written, and IT skills to produce clear, literate, and appropriate reports and correspondence.
Why You’ll Love Working for Slough Children First
Market Supplement and Retention Reward:
57. Eligible frontline social workers can benefit from a market supplement of up to £5,600 (role-dependent).
58. Additionally, there’s a £1,000 retention reward after 18 months for frontline social workers.
Supportive Environment:
59. Enjoy manageable caseloads and clear career pathways.
60. Access excellent training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
Perks and Benefits:
61. Take advantage of the Tusker personal car lease scheme.
62. Benefit from the Blue Light card, offering discounts at numerous high street and online stores.
Innovative Practices:
63. Embrace our new social work operating model.
64. Explore the use of electric pool cars and bikes.
Recognition and Flexibility:
65. Experience staff recognition and a friendly working environment.
66. Enjoy flexible working and agile practices supported by technology.
Convenient Location:
67. Slough is less than 20 minutes by train to Central London.
68. Our terrific central location near the M4, M40, and M25 ensures accessibility.
Quality of Life:
69. Slough is one of the most diverse places in the country outside of London.Pleasant environments, above-average salaries, and a lower cost of living contribute to an enhanced quality of life for our employees.
#4550064 - Louisa Mansbridge