Overview
Principal Social Worker & Head of Workforce Development, Practice & Quality Assurance - Kingston Council. Location: Kingston upon Thames. Hybrid working. Salary: £59,511 - £65,181 per annum. Type: Permanent, Full-time.
Role summary
As the statutory Principal Social Worker (Care Act S1.27), you will be accountable for ensuring the highest standards of social work practice are embedded across the service. You will lead practice quality assurance and workforce development, with responsibilities across adherence to the Care Act, the Mental Capacity Act, and the Mental Health Act, and regulation under the CQC framework. You will be a key member of the senior management team, contributing to strategic leadership and reporting lines to the Director for Adult Social Care Operations and Transformation, with a dotted line to the Executive Director of Health and Adult Social Care.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead adult social work practice and adult social care practice for other professionals.
* Develop, lead, and implement robust quality assurance systems and processes.
* Lead on the professional development of all social care staff, including social workers and managers.
* Advise senior leadership on complex safeguarding and other complex cases.
* Champion the rights of citizens and lead on anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice.
* Act as an ambassador for the Council, forming strategic alliances locally, regionally, and nationally.
* Oversee the ASYE program and the Social Work Apprenticeship program.
About You
The ideal candidate will have a recognised Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and have extensive post-qualifying experience. You will need strong leadership skills, confidence, and the ability to challenge and influence at all levels. The role requires knowledge of relevant legislation, research, and professional competency frameworks, with management experience across multiple roles and experience as a practice educator or supervisor. You should be able to work in a complex environment with analytical, political awareness, negotiation skills, and solution-focused approach.
If you are a dynamic and experienced leader ready to make a significant impact on adult social care, we encourage you to apply. For informal discussions, contact katie.o\'driscoll@kingston.gov.uk.
About Us and Our Offer
Health & Adult Social Care in Kingston is committed to working with residents, valuing our workforce, collaboration, innovation, and financial sustainability. We offer a supportive and collaborative environment with opportunities for development.
Our offer includes:
* Hybrid working (where role allows)
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependent leave
* Volunteering days
* Flexible and agile working arrangements
* Learning and development portal
* Discounts and cycle to work schemes
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Bike loan and other employee benefits
* Confidential health, wellbeing and counselling support
Application Process
Apply online outlining skills, abilities and experience. Please refer to the job profile requirements when applying and ensure CV details are uploaded correctly. We are committed to Diversity and Inclusion and anonymise applications to reduce bias. We encourage diverse panels and inclusive recruitment practices.
Closing date is indicative; applications may be closed early if a sufficient number are received.
Additional Information
We are updating payscales in line with the 2025 pay award; salary listed reflects current information. Kingston is a diverse, welcoming borough with a commitment to equal opportunities and a London Living Wage employer. We guarantee interview for disabled applicants who meet minimum criteria. Sponsorship availability is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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