We are seeking an experienced Directorate Manager to help steer, drive, support and deliver service improvement within Children Young Peoples and Family Services directorate in Livewell Southwest.
Main duties of the job
This is a key post for the future development of Livewell Southwest. The role will support the Assistant Director in the delivery of contracted models within an integrated system of care across the community, working with Local Authorities, Education, Primary Care Networks, Acute and other community services. The post holder will be responsible for leading the delivery of safe, high‑quality and effective services, ensuring patient safety and excellent service quality across designated areas of responsibility, and embedding LSW values and leadership behaviours. The primary focus is on delivering CYPFS services in line with national and local priorities while building a positive working environment and open culture that fosters high morale, commitment and staff well‑being.
Job responsibilities
* Provide operational leadership in all aspects of designated services within LSW.
* Support the organisation’s strategic objectives by developing and implementing changes to operational practices.
* Lead work on corporate projects as directed by the Assistant Director, liaising with external agencies and partners.
* Ensure effective joint working across the organisation to support iThrive, Neighbourhoods, Primary Care Networks and Place‑Based care.
* Support the delivery of all care and performance within LSW governance frameworks and regulatory bodies (CQC, NHSI, NHSE, CICregulator).
* Accountable to the Assistant Director for the delivery of CYPFS within the financial envelope of the contract.
* Deputise for the Assistant Director and other senior managers as required.
Role and Context
* Provide leadership and management for all Service managers, Team managers, Matrons and other direct reports within CYPFS.
* Manage delivery of key operational performance indicators, contractual, financial, resources and staff.
* Develop effective working relationships with Primary Care Networks, Education, commissioners, acute trusts, local authorities and voluntary sector to drive continuous improvement.
* Review services and pathways to redesign them to meet the needs of children, young people and carers.
* Ensure all complaints, incidents and procedural investigations are managed appropriately, applying duty of candour.
* Apply safeguarding policies consistently across all staff and service delivery.
Communication and Key Working Relationships
External and internal communication is essential. The Directorate Manager will establish effective relationships with young people, families, primary care, education, public and voluntary sectors, acute providers, social care, NHS ICB and NHSE. Internally, they will coordinate with the LSW Senior Management Team, staff organisations, trade unions, human resources and policy/operations teams.
Leadership, Policy and Service Development
Lead several service areas, ensuring delivery of service contracts, key targets, outcome measures, performance and financial sustainability. Be part of the LSW Management Team and Management Groups, deputising for the Assistant Director as required. Build local relationships to promote integrated health, education and social care, and lead projects with a focus on evidence‑based improvements.
Financial and Physical Resources
Hold and account for devolved health and social care budgets, delivering on financial balance, recovery and efficiency savings aligned with strategic plans.
Support, Management and Development of Staff
Manage a diverse, multidisciplinary staff group, providing leadership, workforce planning, recruitment, training and professional development. Implement appraisal and supervision standards and manage disciplinary, grievance and sickness issues in line with policies. Ensure health, safety and well‑being of all staff.
Communication and Relationship Skills
Lead service redesign, represent LSW at local, national and regional forums, communicate complex information effectively to staff, partners and the public, and collaborate with commissioners to influence decisions.
Person Specification
Experience
* Demonstrable senior managerial experience within children’s services.
* Evidence of effective leadership and management of people in a health or social care environment.
* Experience leading and implementing service change and long‑term strategy.
* Ability to analyse and evaluate complex service requirements.
* Experience incorporating patient/user views into service provision.
* Strong audit, analytical and negotiation skills with senior managers.
* Chairperson experience for meetings and business case planning.
* Business development experience.
Specific Skills
* Prepare and present reports for senior forums.
* Manage contentious service redesign and organisational change.
* Evaluate governance, risk and improvement actions.
* Effective verbal communication across diverse audiences.
* Facilitation, influencing and high‑concentration tasks.
* Meet tight deadlines.
* Proficient with Microsoft Office.
Qualifications
* Master’s level qualification in a health‑related subject with senior management experience.
* Valid professional registration and recognised management training.
* Relevant continuous professional development (CPD).
Knowledge
* Operational management across multiple service areas, including children’s services.
* Health and Social Care system legislation, guidance and policies.
* Performance management and financial acumen.
* National and local NHS, local authority and public sector policy.
* Adult and children’s social care, and complaints procedure.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act Exception Order 1975).
Part‑time, Full‑time, Job share, Flexible working
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