Child Protection Service Manager

6-month contract with a local authority

Summary

• This is a 6-month contract with a local authority, focused on providing strategic leadership and operational management within Child Protection Services. The role is crucial for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective services for children, young people, and families. It emphasises improving outcomes through strong performance management, safeguarding compliance, and collaborative efforts across key service areas.
  

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage key areas of Children’s Services, including referral and assessment, social work, and permanency (including fostering).
  
• Provide leadership and support to team managers and frontline staff.
  
• Ensure services are delivered in line with statutory requirements and safeguarding legislation.
  
• Maintain high standards of practice to improve outcomes for children and families.
  
• Oversee service performance, ensuring targets and KPIs are achieved.
  
• Monitor and improve service quality through audits, inspections, and continuous improvement activities.
  
• Ensure effective quality assurance frameworks are in place across the service.
  
• Address performance issues promptly and implement improvement plans.
  

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in statutory Children’s Services, particularly in child protection.
  
• Proven experience in a leadership or management role within social care.
  
• Strong experience managing service performance, quality, and improvement.
  
• Experience working with safeguarding frameworks and legislation.
  

Essential Qualifications

• Degree qualification in Social Work or related field.
  
• Social Work England registration (desirable/required depending on role level).
  
• Management or leadership qualification (desirable).
  

Additional Information

• Working hours: 37 hours per week.
  
• Location: Ballard House, West Hoe Road, West Hoe, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3BJ, United Kingdom.
  
• Work pattern: 3 days a week on-site, 2 days remote.
  
• Enhanced DBS required.
  
• Bi-weekly schedule.
  
• The role closes on 4th June 2026, apply ASAP.