About the Role
Open to internal candidates only
We're on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough.
We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!
Your role:
Are you a dynamic, forward-thinking strategic leader with a passion for delivering outstanding adoption services? Together for Adoption, the Regional Adoption Agency for Wigan, Cheshire West and Chester. Warrington, Halton and St. Helens are seeking an experienced Service Lead to lead the agency into its next phase of growth and development.
As Service Lead, you will:
1. Provide strategic leadership to drive best practice and continuous service improvement.
2. Oversee adoption policy, operational delivery, and regional partnerships.
3. Manage demanding budgets to ensure effective and efficient service provision
4. Wigan Council host the RAA and will be the employing local authority.
About you:
We are looking for a proven leader with:
5. Significant strategic leadership experience in adoption or children’s services.
6. A strong understanding of national and regional adoption systems.
7. Experience in managing budgets and ensuring financial sustainability.
8. A track record of leading teams and driving improved outcomes for children and families
9. Excellent stakeholder engagement skills
About us:
Wigan Council has been voted ‘Overall Council of the Year’ at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the ensuring that your service will be continuous or 'unbroken' between the supporting organisations.
The plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our 2 place missions; create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.
Established in 2018, Together for Adoption is a well-performing and embedded partnership, leading adoption policy, strategy, and operational delivery across the region. You will be joining a well-established and stable team who are committed to achieving the best outcomes, and we are proud of our dedicated team and the impact we make to children and families.
Here at Wigan, we are proud to support flexible working patterns, when the service can accommodate this. We also take a blended approach to where we work, depending on the work we do. This may include working from home, the office, or the community. We like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits to find out more about working for #TeamWigan.
How to apply
To be appointed to this role you must be able to prove your right to work in the UK. Please visit the link below to check you qualify to apply. Please note, at present we are not a licenced sponsor. Prove your right to work to an employer.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and lead Together for Adoption through its exciting future, we’d love to hear from you!
Key dates
Closing date: Sunday 06 July 2025
Interview date: To Be Confirmed
This position is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures plus child and adult barred list check.
The employer is committed to safeguarding