Telford & Wrekin Council,
Group Manager – Children in Care & Leaving Care Service
37 hours per week | 2-Year Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £56,724 – £60,049 (including £3,000 market factor)
Interviews to take place on 19 June 2026.
Do you aspire to work for an ‘Outstanding’ Local Authority and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people?
At Telford & Wrekin Council, children and young people are at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Group Manager to lead our Children in Care and Leaving Care Service at an exciting time of transformation and improvement.
We believe in seeing children as individuals — understanding their stories, listening to their voices, and supporting their hopes and aspirations through compassionate, relationship‑based practice.
Our Approach
We are proud of our ‘family first’ ethos, recognising that strong relationships are at the centre of a child’s life. Wherever possible, we work to keep children within their family networks. Where this is not achievable, we ensure children receive nurturing care that promotes stability, belonging, and positive outcomes.
Our service is driven by strengths‑based approaches, continuous improvement, and a commitment to delivering outstanding support to children and young people.
About The Role
This is a senior leadership role combining oversight of both Children in Care and Leaving Care teams. You will play a key role in driving permanency planning, improving outcomes, and shaping high‑quality services.
Key Responsibilities
* Leadership & Management: Provide strong leadership, supervision, and support to Team Managers.
* Permanency Planning: Ensure all children and young people have robust, meaningful plans that prioritise reunification or stable long‑term arrangements.
* Statutory Compliance: Oversee the delivery of all statutory responsibilities for Children in Care and Leaving Care services.
* Multi‑agency Leadership: Strengthen partnership working, challenge poor practice, and elevate concerns when needed.
* Performance & Improvement: Analyse performance data and feedback to drive service improvements and report to senior leaders and corporate parenting boards.
* Strategic Leadership: Deputise for the Head of Service, contribute to corporate parenting strategy, and lead on service representation.
* Quality Assurance: Embed learning from audits, inspections, and reviews to continuously improve practice.
* Policy & Systems Development: Lead on the development of policies, procedures, and service innovations.
* Risk & Safeguarding: Manage complex cases and chair high‑level multi‑agency meetings.
About You
You will be a qualified social worker with:
* Substantial post‑qualification experience in children’s social care
* Strong knowledge of UK legislation and statutory frameworks
* Proven leadership and management experience
* A track record of driving service improvement and achieving positive outcomes
* The ability to inspire teams and build strong partnerships
What We Offer
* Generous annual leave: 24–32 days (plus 8 bank holidays & 1 concessionary day)
* Flexible and hybrid working options
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Career progression and development opportunities
* Staff discounts and salary sacrifice schemes
* Free parking and confidential wellbeing support
Inclusion & Belonging
We believe great services start with great people. At Telford & Wrekin Council, everyone belongs and every voice matters. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve.
Important Information
* This role requires an enhanced DBS check.
* It is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
* Please note: We do not currently hold a visa sponsorship licence.
Apply Now
Join us in shaping brighter futures for children and young people.
Please click on the links below to view the job description and person specification.
A CV template is available if you do not already have a CV.
For further information about the role, please contact Laura Wood on 01952 385817 or via laura.wood@telford.gov.uk.
Attached documents.
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