Manager Quality Assurance

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.
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.
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. Drive the implementation of a robust Quality Assurance Framework across Children’s Social Care.
Oversee delivery of the Children’s Services Improvement Plan, ensuring actions from Ofsted ILACS findings translate into measurable impact.
Lead workforce development initiatives, including the ASYE Academy, to nurture and retain talent.
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.
You’ll be an experienced leader with a proven track record in service improvement within a large public sector organisation, ideally local government. Expert knowledge of children’s social care, safeguarding legislation, and sector-wide challenges.
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.
Sunday 14th December
Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023).
For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance published by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).
health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.
We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.
We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements.
We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants and shops, a generous employer pension contribution in line with the Local Government Pension Scheme, discounts on gym memberships and more -