Head of Adult Social Care – Safeguarding, Quality Assurance & Service Transformation
Location: Bexley, London (Hybrid)
Reports to: Director of Adult Social Care
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced leader to head a comprehensive review of our Safeguarding and Quality Assurance service across Adult Social Care. The post holder will evaluate the Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberties team, Principal Social Worker role, Quality Assurance, Client Affairs team and Professional Standards Academy, while also assessing connectivity with wider operational and commissioning services.
The outcome of this review will be a proposed mini‑restructure (with options where relevant) designed to strengthen safeguarding, improve quality assurance and unlock commercial opportunities within the Client Affairs team feeding directly into the Council’s Transformation workstream on Commercial.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading the review, analysing current structures, processes and performance data.
* Developing realistic restructuring options and implementation plans.
* Exploring commercial viability of the Client Affairs team and aligning with corporate transformation goals.
* Preparing clear reports and presentations for the Directorate Leadership Team and, where appropriate, the Bexley Futures Board.
* Managing stakeholder engagement across operational, commissioning and partnership teams to ensure buy‑in and smooth transition.
* Driving the delivery of agreed changes within challenging timescales.
Person Specification
* Proven senior leadership experience in Adult Social Care, with a strong background in safeguarding, quality assurance or professional standards.
* Track record of service redesign, restructuring or transformation initiatives in public sector settings.
* Excellent analytical, report‑writing and presentation skills; ability to distil complex information into actionable recommendations.
* Commercial awareness and experience identifying income‑generation or efficiency opportunities within care services.
* Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; comfortable engaging with senior leaders, elected members and external partners.
* Ability to work under pressure and deliver high‑quality outputs to tight deadlines.
* Relevant qualifications (e.g., social work, management, safeguarding) desirable but not essential if accompanied by demonstrable experience.
If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for improving safeguarding outcomes and driving service excellence, we encourage you to apply.