Interim Head of Services

About Carers BucksApply promptly A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.At Carers Bucks we are committed to making a lasting and positive difference in the lives of unpaid carers across Buckinghamshire - from children as young as five to adults supporting loved ones through physical or mental illness, frailty, disability or addiction. We understand that caring can impact a person’s health, wellbeing and future opportunities and we are here to change that.Our vision is that every unpaid carer in Buckinghamshire feels recognised, respected and supported in their role – so they can access the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for them – regardless of age, circumstance and cultural or socio-economic background.Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We foster a positive, supportive working culture where wellbeing matters, and professional development is encouraged and celebrated.ValuesKind – We understand the challenges carers face. With real compassion and empathy we are able to build confidence and resilience in both carers and colleagues.Inclusive – We adapt our services to meet the diverse needs of all carers, making sure they feel seen, supported and empowered in their role.Collaborative – We work together – with carers, partners and one another – to listen, learn and improve outcomes.Innovative – We are curious to find better ways to support carers. We are open to new ideas and committed to improving what we do.Reliable – We are informed, trustworthy and confidential. We do what we say we will - every time.About the RoleIn this newly created role, you will work directly with the CEO, providing oversight and direction to Team Leaders to ensure that services operate effectively and meet contractual requirements. You will be passionate about making a difference to the lives of unpaid carers in Buckinghamshire, with the ability to make an impact quickly. You’ll bring proven hands‑on experience in a similar role working with a team to establish effective and innovative ways to deliver services.Main Responsibilities1. Strategic and Operational LeadershipHold overall accountability for service performance and quality, working through the Adult, Young and Hospital Carers Team Leaders who lead day-to‑day operationsEnsure alignment with our strategic priorities and our commissioned outcomesContribute as an active member of the Senior Management Team, supporting organisational strategy, planning and deliveryEnsure that all carer services operate cohesively, with smooth transitions between age groups and consistent quality standardsUse data and feedback to drive service improvement and innovation2. Service Delivery and QualityOversee the effective management of the Adult, Young, Young Adult and Hospital teamsEmbed a culture of high performance, reflective practice and continuous learningEnsure strong safeguarding practices are central in all servicesEnsure systems are used consistently for case management, data recording and reportingWork with the Diverse Communities Worker and other leads to ensure services are inclusive, culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of under‑represented groupsOversee the effective involvement of volunteers within carer services, working with the Volunteer Manager to ensure they are well‑supported, trained and valued as integral members of the team3. People Leadership and Team DevelopmentFoster collaboration and a supportive team culture built on the Carers Bucks valuesLine‑manage and support the three Team Leads, ensuring clarity of priorities, effective supervision and professional growthSupport wellbeing, resilience and a sense of shared purpose across teams4. SafeguardingAct as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Carers Bucks, providing advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding issues, ensuring compliance with policy and statutory requirements, and escalating concerns appropriatelyMaintain oversight of all safeguarding cases across the organisation and support Team Leaders in their DDSL responsibilities5. Partnership and RepresentationProvide strategic coordination across thematic leads (Diverse Communities, Hospitals, Volunteers) to ensure alignment and shared priorities across servicesRepresent Carers Bucks strategically with partners across social care, education and healthSupport the CEO in relationships with commissioners, primary and secondary care, schools and VCSE partners to enhance identification and referral of carersChampion the voice of carers of all ages through partnership boards, networks and other forums6. Performance, Impact and ReportingMonitor performance against contract outcomes, KPIs and quality standardsWork with our Data Lead to ensure accurate reporting and a strong evidence base for our workAnalyse trends and learning to inform service design and improvementContribute to quarterly and annual reports for commissioners and trusteesProvide effective feedback upwards to the CEO7. Organisational ContributionContribute to strategic planning, risk management and organisational developmentRepresent Carers Bucks at events, conferences and key campaignsLead on the co‑design of new approaches, including digital and preventative modelsStay abreast of local and national developments in carers’ policy and practiceUndertake other duties as reasonably required by the Chief ExecutivePersonal Attributes, Skills and ExperienceEssential Experience or QualificationsProven experience of operating at a similar level, leading a services team in the charity sectorProven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams to achieve shared goalsProven ability to quickly make an impactExperience of delivering training or presentations to external audiencesExperience of report writing and using data to inform decisionsProven experience of a commitment to Diversity and InclusionExperience of safeguarding principles for both adults and children and experience in applying themA full UK driving licence and or access to own transportDesired Experience or Qualifications (not compulsory)Previous experience of working with carers, health and social care professionalsEssential Skills / KnowledgeStrategic thinker, able to translate organisational priorities into clear operational plansConfident decision‑maker who can balance compassion with accountabilitySkilled at managing change and fostering a culture of learning and improvementStrong time and project management skills, able to balance competing demandsExcellent written, verbal and listening skills, with the ability to adapt communication to different audiencesGood general level of IT skillsConfident and persuasive when engaging with professionals across health, education and social careThe ability to represent Carers Bucks positively and credibly at a senior and strategic levelSkilled in building and maintaining productive partnerships and networksUnderstanding of equality, diversity and inclusion, and how to embed this in service design and deliveryConfident using data and outcomes measures to monitor impact and inform service developmentConfident with figuresDesirable skill / knowledgeWell‑informed about carers’ rights, challenges and available resourcesAwareness of developments in health, education and social care policy, and their implications for carersPersonal AttributesEmpathic, approachable and emotionally intelligentSelf‑starter who is organised, proactive and solution focusedCalm under pressure, able to prioritise and make sound judgementsCollaborative and team‑oriented, with a positive “can‑do” attitudeCommitted to the values and ethos of Carers Bucks and to supporting carers’ wellbeingA willingness to actively participate in training and development opportunitiesAbility to work flexible hours, occasional evening/weekend work as requiredWhy join us?We have recently published our one‑year strategy, guiding us through the next phase of our development.By joining our team, you will:Play a key role in shaping our future: You will support the CEO and guide the team as we enter our retenderMake a lasting impact: Your work will directly support unpaid Carers of all ages, enabling them to access the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for themBe part of a supportive, passionate team. You will work with dedicated colleagues who are committed to making a difference and supporting one anotherEmployee Benefits Include25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (increases with length of service)3x Christmas Closure DaysUp to 5 days paid Carers LeaveRegular training and development opportunitiesDiversity and InclusionWe want our services to be representative of the community we serve. We are proud of the diversity within Buckinghamshire and particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.How to applyPlease submit a CV and covering letter via our online portal. xpwpeyx Successful candidates will be invited to a first interview by 24th November 2025.We are committed to being an inclusive employer. If you require any adjustments to the interview process or would like to discuss your access needs in advance, please let us know by emailing us (email address can be found on application portal) – we will do our best to accommodate you.#J-18808-Ljbffr