2 months contract with a local authority
Summary
* Following increased investment and internal restructuring, the council is seeking an experienced interim Children Placement & Quality Assurance Manager to lead the development of a new commissioning function. This role is critical in shaping placement strategies, improving quality assurance, and supporting the integration of Independent Non-Maintained Special School (INMSS) placements. The successful candidate will play a key role in building relationships across social care, education, providers, and council departments.
Responsibilities
* Establish and lead a new Children’s Placement Commissioning function, including supplier relationships, brokerage, contract management, and quality assurance.
* Develop an operational model to meet SEND placement needs, ensuring alignment with statutory requirements and best practices.
* Create and implement a robust Quality Assurance framework across Children’s Social Care and SEND placements.
* Support the development of sufficiency strategies to ensure appropriate and cost-effective placement availability.
* Contribute to the Strategic Placement Board, providing insight into placement usage, cost, and impact on children’s outcomes.
* Establish reporting mechanisms and promote a data-driven approach to commissioning and placement decisions.
* Collaborate effectively with social workers, managers, providers, and wider council teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
Essential Experience
* Proven experience in Children’s placement commissioning, including SEND and social care settings.
* Strong background in contract management, brokerage, and supplier engagement.
* Experience developing and implementing quality assurance frameworks.
* Familiarity with sufficiency planning and strategic board engagement.
* Ability to build relationships quickly and work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams.
* Experience or insight into integrating INMSS placements into local authority commissioning structures is highly desirable.
Essential Qualifications
* Degree-level qualification in Social Work, Public Sector Management, or a related field.
* Relevant professional registration (e.g., Social Work England) is advantageous.
* Project management or commissioning-related certifications are a plus.
Additional Information
* Working hours: 37 hours a week
* DBS is required for the role.
* The role closes soon, apply ASAP.