Directorate: Adult Social Care Pay Level: SML11 £69,641 - £78,782fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance Contract Type: Permanent Working Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office) DBS requirement: Enhanced The closing date for applications is midnight on 19th April 2026 Interviews will be held week commencing 4th May 2026 What you’ll be doing: As Principal Social Worker for Adult Services, you will provide strategic leadership for social work practice across the organisation, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, ethics, and person-centred care in line with the Care Act 2014, PCF, and BASW Code of Ethics. You will be the professional voice of social work at a senior level—advising the Director of Adult Social Services and elected members, influencing decision-making, and ensuring frontline practice shapes strategy and service delivery. You will lead on quality, safeguarding, and CQC assurance, driving continuous improvement and innovation to achieve better outcomes for adults, carers, and families. A key part of your role will be developing a strong, skilled workforce. You will lead the workforce strategy, champion learning and development, and embed a culture of reflective practice, supervision, and continuous professional development. Working across systems, you will strengthen partnerships, promote co-production, and ensure services are shaped by the voices of people with lived experience. You will also champion equality, human rights, and strengths-based practice—leading change and ensuring services remain responsive to local and national priorities. Our Council: Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and our environment, and we would love you to join us in our mission! All of our employees, whatever their job, contribute to delivering services to local people - either directly, or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and are continuously striving for our residents to enjoy fulfilling prosperous and healthy lives. What we offer: We offer a supportive place to grow and develop your career with a real opportunity for your input to be valued and heard. Ambition and innovation will be required now more than ever, and you will join a friendly and collaborative environment where you are encouraged to thrive. We understand that everyone has different needs and circumstances. That's why we're committed to offering flexible and hybrid working arrangements that help you achieve the best work-life balance and accommodate different working patterns. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We select staff on merit and foster a workforce where people are valued and represent the local communities we serve. Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1st April each year, subject to six months service in the post, until the maximum spinal column point of the level has been reached. The payment of annual increments is not automatic and is subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by your director. Alongside a competitive salary, we provide: 26 days annual leave (not including Bank holidays), rising to 30 days between 2 - 5 years' service and 33 days after 5 years' service. The Local Government Pension Scheme Ability to engage with wellbeing initiatives and the opportunity to be a member of our various employee networks, which are key to ensuring we celebrate and promote equality. Tax-free childcare and childcare services Season loan ticket - to help with the cost of your rail / bus journey to and from work. Accessibility and Support: Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. We are keen to support you to feel comfortable throughout the application and interview process. Therefore, if you require any support throughout the application process or reasonable adjustments for the interview (e.g. questions being printed on the day or consideration for layout or lighting for the interview room) please contact our Recruitment Team who will be able to assist: Recruitment@slough.gov.uk. This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure we provide appropriate support throughout the recruitment process and beyond. Right to Work and Checks: All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please contact Recruitment@slough.gov.uk before submitting an application. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If appointed, all posts will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. How we recruit at Slough Borough Council Our 8 Core Skills ⭐ At Slough Borough Council, we're moving Forward Together. We believe in our people, our purpose, and our progress. We've created a unified set of core skills to help you understand what we value and will form part of your interview with us. Click here to find out more - How we recruit | Slough Borough Council How to Apply: Please click on the Apply button below to submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you! Join our team at Slough Borough Council and help accelerate our journey of transformation and growth! The Council reserves the right to close adverts early should we receive a number of suitable applications. Join Slough Borough Council – Move Forward Together!