Job Introduction
We are seeking a Head of Service Family Help and Partnerships to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Family Help Service and hold additional portfolios for our Integrated Front Door (MASH), Partnerships and FamilySupport.
Family Help is our way of working that brings together targeted early help and Child in Need support into a single, seamless offer. It replaces the traditional divide between early help and statutory services, making it easier for families to access support without stigma or duplication.
Key Principles
* A whole-family approach
* A single assessment and plan
* A dedicated Family Help Lead Practitioner
* Evidence-based, relational interventions
* Family-led planning and co-production
* Timely support from the most appropriate professional
The Role
As Head of Service, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality, relational early help and statutory social work services for children, young people, and families. You will lead system transformation, continuous practice improvement, partnership integration, and delivery of the local authority’s key priorities.
A significant element of the role includes leadership of the Partnerships and FamilySupport Service, acting as a strategic point of contact for key partners, including Solent NHS Trust, and overseeing services aligned with the Best Start in Life Strategy. This includes oversight of family hubs and parenting pathways, ensuring consistent, effective, and inclusive delivery.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead through Service Leaders and play a pivotal role in shaping a culture of safe decision-making, co-production, early intervention, and workforce development.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership across Family Help, MASH, Partnerships and FamilySupport, ensuring that we consistently provide outstanding services to the children and families of Portsmouth
* Lead system integration and service transformation aligned with national reform agendas
* Ensure high-quality, proportionate, and timely interventions that meet need, reduce risk and build family resilience
* Provide strategic oversight of the MASH, ensuring effective multi-agency working, consistent and considered decision-making, and effective risk management
* Drive continuous quality assurance and practice improvement using audit, learning reviews, lived experience, and inspection findings
* Lead and support senior managers and multidisciplinary teams, building workforce capability, stability, and confidence
* Manage performance, budgets, and commissioning arrangements
* Represent the local authority at strategic boards and support and enable strong multi-agency partnerships
* Embed relational, strengths-based, trauma-informed practice across all services
About You
You will be a credible, compassionate, and relational senior leader, confident in leading through complexity, ambiguity, and change. You will bring integrity, resilience, and a strong commitment to inclusion, co-production, and rights-based practice.
You will have:
* A recognised social work qualification and current professional registration
* Significant senior leadership experience within children’s services
* Extensive knowledge of key legislation and frameworks, including:
o Children Act 1989/2004
o Working Together to Safeguard Children
o SEND Code of Practice
o Family Help and national children’s social care reforms
* Experience leading large, complex, multi-disciplinary services and portfolios
* Strong strategic planning, transformation, and financial management skills
* Experience working effectively with senior partners across complex systems
* A proven track record of inspection readiness and improvement (e.g. Ofsted, CQC, JTAI)
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.
Working Arrangements
The expectation is that the role is office based a minimum of 3 days per week.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion
If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please email Sam Bushby, Deputy Director - Sam.bushby@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Why Join Portsmouth City Council?
* Be part of a service that puts families at the centre of everything we do
* Work within a supportive, learning-focused culture
* Access excellent professional development and leadership support
* Competitive salary
* Make a real and lasting difference to children and families in the city
Safeguarding
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
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