Overview
Practice and Quality Lead (Ref: POS010464)
Salary £47,181 - £50,269 per annum. Post Type: Permanent. Hours Per Week: Full time.
Internal Applications Only
Darlington Borough Council is looking for an experienced and passionate social work professional to take on the role of Practice and Quality Lead within our Adult Social Care service. This is a strategic and influential position, working closely with the Head of Practice and Quality (Principal Social Worker) to shape and deliver our Quality Assurance and Improvement Framework.
Although this role is focused on Adult Social Care, it sits within a cross-cutting Practice and Quality team that supports both Children’s and Adults Social Care. This integrated approach enables shared learning, consistency in practice, and a relational way of working across the lifespan.
Why Darlington?
Darlington is a place where relationships matter. Our recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment rated us “Good”, recognising strengths in person-centred care, collaborative working, and a culture of openness and continuous improvement. We are proud of our strong partnerships across health, housing, education, and the voluntary sector, and we are committed to co-production and engaging seldom-heard voices in shaping services.
Staff across the council describe a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where they feel listened to, empowered, and able to challenge and innovate. Senior leaders are accessible and responsive, and our governance arrangements promote transparency, accountability, and continuous learning.
About the Role
As Practice and Quality Lead, you will coordinate and deliver a range of quality assurance activities, including audits, observations, and thematic reviews. You’ll analyse findings and produce clear, evidence-based reports that inform service improvement. You’ll design and deliver creative practice development initiatives—such as workshops, supervision, and learning sessions—while supporting engagement with service users, carers, and the wider workforce. You’ll champion best practice, keep up to date with legislation, policy, and sector developments, and contribute to the development and review of procedures and policies. You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation and with external partners to embed strengths-based, relational practice and drive improvement.
Responsibilities
* Coordinate and deliver quality assurance activities (audits, observations, thematic reviews).
* Analyse findings and produce evidence-based reports to inform service improvement.
* Design and deliver practice development initiatives (workshops, supervision, learning sessions).
* Support engagement with service users, carers, and the wider workforce.
* Stay up to date with legislation, policy, and sector developments.
* Contribute to the development and review of procedures and policies.
* Collaborate across the organisation and with external partners to embed strengths-based, relational practice.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a qualified and registered social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in Adult Social Care. You’ll bring a strong understanding of quality assurance, supervision, and practice development, and be confident in analysing data, writing reports, and influencing change. A Practice Educator qualification (or willingness to achieve this) is required. You’ll thrive in a collaborative environment, value equity and inclusion, and be committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking council that values innovation, respect, and collaboration. We offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a wide range of staff benefits, including wellbeing support and training.
The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary; we offer numerous additional benefits such as:
* 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part-time)
* Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
* Flexi-time scheme and Flexible working
* Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
* Staff equality forums
* Green Car Leasing Scheme
* Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
* Physiotherapy service
* Confidential counselling service
* Great wellbeing offer
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
* Local and National retailer discounts
* Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
* Arriva Employee Travel Club
For full details of benefits, see the Why Work For Us page: https://www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers-1/why-work-for-us/
Join Us
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a council that puts relationships, quality, and people at the heart of everything it does, we’d love to hear from you.
For informal discussions and queries, please contact Gary Jones, Head of Practice and Quality and Principal Social Worker, at gary.jones@darlington.gov.uk
Apply now and help us continue to drive and deliver outstanding adult social care in Darlington while contributing to a wider practice culture that supports people across all ages.
General Information for Applicants
If you have questions regarding applying for this role or the application form requirements, please contact the HR Support team on 01325 403217 or HR@darlington.gov.uk. If you experience problems with the NE Jobs website, please visit https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/contactus. All applicant emails will come from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk.
Applicants are asked to provide truthful and relevant information; use of AI tools is allowed for assistance but submissions must be accurate and original.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We aim to interview any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.
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