Location: Aylesbury
Overview
Are you passionate about driving excellence in children’s services? We’re looking for a dynamic Head of Quality and Improvement to lead a culture of continuous learning and improvement across Children’s Social Care. This is a pivotal role where you’ll shape practice standards, embed quality assurance, and ensure the voices of children and families are at the heart of everything we do. Based in Aylesbury, you’ll join a forward-thinking team committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
Salary up to £85,600 per annum
About us
Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county, and our economy is one of the strongest in the country. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and ranks as one of the top rural areas to live in the UK and yet it is incredibly well connected– only an hour from London on the train. The county has a rich history and heritage and is the birthplace of the international Paralympic movement.
We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey. You will be entitled to a range of different benefits to make sure you are happy both at work and at home.
About the role
As Head of Quality and Improvement, you’ll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for key functions including Independent Reviewing Officers, Principal Social Workers, Child Protection Advisors, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) service, and Practice & Workforce Development. You’ll:
1. Drive the implementation of a robust Quality Assurance Framework across Children’s Social Care.
2. Oversee delivery of the Children’s Services Improvement Plan, ensuring actions from Ofsted ILACS findings translate into measurable impact.
3. Lead workforce development initiatives, including the ASYE Academy, to nurture and retain talent.
4. Embed the voice of children, young people, and families into service improvement.
This is a high-profile role requiring strong governance, programme management, and the ability to influence at all levels, including senior leaders and elected members.
About you
You’ll be an experienced leader with a proven track record in service improvement within a large public sector organisation, ideally local government. You bring:
5. Expert knowledge of children’s social care, safeguarding legislation, and sector-wide challenges.
6. Strategic vision and the ability to deliver complex improvement programmes.
7. Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with credibility in political and multi-agency environments.
8. A commitment to embedding a learning culture and driving high standards of practice.
9. Degree-level education (or equivalent experience) and evidence of continuous professional development.
A relevant professional qualification in social care, education, health, or youth work is desirable.