Head of Childrens Services

Our client is a large local government organisation and looking for an experienced Head of Childrens Services to join their team. This is initially a 4 month contract which may be extended for the right candidate.

You will

To lead the delivery of Adoption Servies to deliver against objectives and ensure that agreed service outcomes are met.

To provide leadership and vision for the continuous development of Aspire Adoption - the combined adoption service for Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole & Dorset Councils.

To lead the strategic planning, development and management of all aspects of Aspire Adoption to ensure compliance with legislative, government, Ofsted and council requirements.

To ensure the delivery of high quality and effective Adoption Services consistent with agreed service objectives.

To develop the strategic plans for Aspire Adoption in conjunction with other partner organisations who provide services to Children in Care /Adopted children to ensure high quality service provision for children and adults engaged with the service Key Responsibilities

To provide strategic and managerial support and direction to managers and staff within Aspire Adoption.

To lead the delivery of high performance and quality of practice within Aspire Adoption against agreed standards targets and priorities.

To act as the Registered Manager for the service and take lead responsibility for inspections of the local authorities funding Aspire by Ofsted and other regulatory bodies (e.g. ICO, DBS).

To ensure effective quality assurance and performance management systems, which meet expected local and national standards and drive continuous improvement.

To ensure that services are delivered and developed through effective integrated and joint working with partner agencies and service providers.

To ensure that key performance data is monitored regularly and reported to the Aspire Adoption Operational Board and that the required quarterly data is supplied to the Aspire Adoption Strategic Board (AASB).

To manage the Aspire Adoption service budget ensuring that monies are appropriately used in accordance with relevant grant conditions and that the service remains within budget

To be considered for this role you will need

Degree in Social Work (SW England registered) and proven experience of strategic development in the related service area.

Advanced relevant professional qualification (or equivalent experience) with clearly evidenced continuous professional development and understanding of industry best practice and broader commercial awareness for Adoption /Children’s Services

Management qualification or equivalent experience

A significant amount of knowledge in a specialised field gained by education in a relevant subject or a comparable level of knowledge gained through experience.

Knowledge of relevant national and regional policy and legislation to the public sector and to the service area. • Leadership experience, with the ability to lead and plan a service.

Experience of leading visible and operational/technical services relating to local authority or public services.

Ability to lead, manage and develop an operational team to deliver high profile services. Influencing and stakeholder management skills and the ability to build relationships with service users, colleagues, partners and stakeholders

PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE IS INSIDE SCOPE OF IR35