Service Director Quality Assurance, Safeguarding and Partnerships

Plymouth is on the brink of something extraordinary. As one of the UK’s newly designated national defence growth areas, the city is seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape its economy, inspire its young people and ignite ambition across every community. We’re determined to ensure that Plymouth’s future is not only prosperous, but shared; so that every child, in every community, can grow up with confidence, aspiration and the skills to succeed.

The Children’s Services directorate plays a major part in this city-wide mission, by raising aspiration, boosting achievement, and ensuring families get the support they need to flourish. The city we’re building is one where every child can see a future for themselves, supported by a system which works seamlessly to spot difficulties early, responds quickly and effectively, and makes sure help is there as long as it’s needed.

Reporting to the Director of Children’s Services, this role will play a pivotal role in helping our children and young people to live full, safe and happy lives. You’ll lead three expert teams – Quality Assurance, Safeguarding and Learning & Development – and will set the highest standards for practice that consolidates our reputation as a leader in safeguarding, drives service transformation, and delivers improved life chances. There’s a strong partnership working aspect to this role, and you’ll collaborate closely with colleagues in social work and education as well as external partners and providers.

Candidates must be qualified social workers, with extensive experience of strategic leadership in children’s services, safeguarding, and quality assurance. You must have a strong track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams and partnership working across agencies, including practical experience of commissioning, regulatory inspections, service transformation and budget management. A comprehensive and current knowledge of all relevant legislation, guidance and regulation – including policy in development, emerging thinking and approaches – is essential, and you must be personally committed to the Council’s values and behaviours, particularly in our role as corporate parent.

It's an incredible career development opportunity, so if you’re ambitious to make rapid professional progress this role is perfect. You’ll be joining a strong, cohesive and supportive team, with shared values and a single-minded approach to improving the lives for Plymouth’s children, young people and families.

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To apply:

To apply for this job please click on the Apply button below and fill out the requested information. When prompted, please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of no longer than 1000 words.

With your CV, please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages, and we will not contact referees without your permission.

Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.