Description
Job Description & Person Specification >
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for social work excellence and workforce development? Torbay Council is seeking a dynamic Head of Learning Academy and Principal Social Worker to lead our innovative Children’s Social Work and Learning Academy.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of social work in Torbay, driving continuous improvement and ensuring our workforce is equipped to deliver outstanding services to children and families.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the strategic development of the Learning Academy to become a national leader in staff development.
* Champion high-quality social work practice as the Council’s Principal Social Worker.
* Collaborate with senior leaders to align learning with service priorities and quality assurance findings.
* Oversee the delivery of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) and the “Steps to Success” programme.
* Design and implement innovative learning solutions, including virtual learning.
* Manage the Learning Academy team and a budget of up to £2 million.
* Report to elected members, national bodies, and the Torbay Safeguarding Children Partnership.
* Support the wider partnership via partnership training and development plans.
* Ensure the new legislation is translated into robust social work practice.
What We’re Looking For:
* Essential Skills & Experience:
o Proven leadership and strategic thinking abilities.
o Substantial experience in children and families social work.
o Strong background in workforce development, mentoring, and coaching.
o Excellent communication, analytical, and report-writing skills.
o Experience managing people, services, and budgets.
o Ability to influence and collaborate across organisational boundaries.
* Knowledge & Qualifications:
o In-depth knowledge of children’s social care legislation, policy, and best practice.
o Social Work Degree and current registration with Social Work England.
o Post-qualifying certificate in Practice Education (or equivalent).
o Evidence of continued professional development.
Why Join Us?
* Be part of a forward-thinking leadership team committed to innovation and excellence.
* Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of children’s services in Torbay.
* Access to professional development and opportunities to influence national practice.
* Work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your expertise is valued.
This post meets the requirements for an Enhanced Criminal Record Check. This will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions which have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is considered relevant to the role.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/head-of-learning-academy-and-principal-social-worker/
For an informal chat please contact Becky Thompson on 01803 208640 or becky.thompson@torbay.gov.uk.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 11th August 2025.
Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.
Skills
Essential:
* Proven leadership ability.
* Highly developed analytical skills.
* Proven track record in innovation and problem solving.
* Excellent communication skills, including the ability to challenge, support and influence.
* Excellent reporting writing skills and the ability to present orally and in writing to a wide variety of audiences.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Knowledge
Essential:
* Detailed understanding of the function of social care services.
* Detailed knowledge of legislation, national guidance and procedures specific to Children’s Social Care.
* Thorough knowledge and understanding of current professional practice issues in relation to early help, children in need, child protection, children looked after and care leavers and the related interdependencies with partner agencies.
* An understanding of internal and external resources that can be accessed and deployed to ensure that the academy can achieve its organisational objectives.
* Knowledge and understanding of how changes in the economic, political, social and organisation climate can impact on the organisation.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
* Social Work Degree.
* Current Registration with Social Work England.
* A relevant academic qualification such as Post Qualifying Certificate in Practice Education and Enabling Others (or equivalent).
* Evidence of continued professional development.
* Substantial experience in children and families work, and a demonstrable knowledge of complex work with children and their families.
Please review the available pages within the careers site .
A list of employer benefits can be found here .