Children's Head of Service

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to join our Senior Management Team as Head of Service & Principal Social Worker - Practice, Learning & Development, Quality Assurance and Participation within Children’s Services. This is a pivotal role that provides strategic leadership on quality assurance, workforce development and ensuring the delivery of high-quality social work practice.About usDevon County Council is undergoing significant transformation, with rapid Children’s Social Care reforms and a strong improvement journey. Our social work teams are committed to providing the best service possible and are supported by our ambitious culture. As the largest local authority in Southwest England, we're proud of our workforce and what we are achieving for the children and families of Devon.About the RoleAs Head of Service & Principal Social Worker - Practice, Learning & Development, Quality Assurance and Participation, you will play a key role in shaping and modernising services for children and families, linking the council’s strategic vision and statutory responsibilities alongside operational delivery. This position carries significant responsibility for safeguarding, service improvement, and workforce stability, ensuring that children remain at the heart of everything we do.Visibility and availability to support our staff is key and therefore a minimum of 3 days per week office presence is required.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and inspire services to deliver exceptional social work practice for vulnerable children and families.Drive excellence through robust quality assurance and innovative workforce development via our Children’s Social Work Academy.Shape the future by implementing new policies, legislation, and best practice standards.Build a strong workforce through effective recruitment and retention strategies, including the ASYE programme.Influence change at strategic boards and partnerships, ensuring alignment with our visionAmplify voices by embedding the views of children and young people in every decision we makeAbout YouWe’re looking for an experienced and inspiring leader who will foster a supportive and transparent culture within Children’s Social Care - one that champions collaboration across teams and empowers staff to deliver excellence in service and professional practice.Your skills and experience will include:High level leadership and motivational skills with significant, proven experience in a leadership role, with line management responsibilitiesRelevant experience in policy development and strategic planning processes within a multiagency contextExpert knowledge of issues affecting children, young people, and familiesThe ability to analyse, interpret and communicate both qualitive and quantitative informationExceptional and highly developed interpersonal, written and oral presentation skillsKnowledge and understanding of recent research and best practice in quality assurance, child protection and safeguarding.If you are ready to take on a challenging, yet highly rewarding senior leadership position that offers you the opportunity to shape the future for children and young people, we would love to hear from youWhat’s in it for you?In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including: A healthy work-life balance with flexible working options wherever possibleMembership of the Local Government Pension SchemeFree onsite parkingEmployee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being servicesDiscounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platformCycle to work schemeElectric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.