Head of Operations

Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS) provides a comprehensive range of support to individuals affected by drug and/or alcohol use. The service aims to minimise substance-related harm and enhance overall wellbeing by offering a continuum of care, including engagement, assessment, harm reduction, outreach, training, case management, aftercare, health promotion, detoxification programmes, needle exchange, prescribing interventions, and relapse prevention.

GDAS operates across the five local authority areas of Gwent, including services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The service is non-judgemental, non-discriminatory, and professional, ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Commissioned by the Gwent Area Planning Board (APB), GDAS collaborates closely with APB Commissioning teams, local authority housing leads, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), and other key stakeholders. The service is delivered through a consortium partnership comprising Kaleidoscope, Barod, and G4S, bringing together a wealth of experience and expertise.

The partnership is committed to:

- Sharing specialist knowledge and best practices to enhance integrated service delivery.
- Driving innovation to improve the treatment and support offered.
- Fostering a culture of openness and continuous learning.
- Aligning with the principles of the Healthier Wales Strategy to promote seamless, person-centred care.
- Recognising and responding to service user needs across Gwent.

The role is responsible for overseeing the operational delivery of GDAS across Gwent, ensuring services align with organisational objectives, service specifications, and key performance indicators (KPIs). A key focus is on driving high standards of performance and quality improvement in line with Kaleidoscope and GDAS frameworks, ensuring that services remain effective, responsive, and person-centred. By providing strong leadership and direct line management to the GDAS Senior Management Team, the role ensures regular supervision, professional development, and ongoing support for staff.

A significant aspect of the role involves developing and implementing robust reporting mechanisms for incidents, complaints, and safeguarding concerns, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. The post-holder will promote a multi-agency, partnership-based approach, working collaboratively to deliver holistic support for individuals with complex needs. Strategic leadership is essential in enhancing service delivery, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring operational systems remain flexible and responsive to service demands.

Monitoring service performance against KPIs and addressing areas for improvement is a core responsibility, alongside ensuring GDAS premises comply with Health and Safety regulations. The role also involves preparing high-quality reports, managing financial performance within allocated budgets, and leading contract reviews to maintain compliance with commissioning requirements. Identifying and responding to funding opportunities, including tenders and grants, is key to sustaining and developing the service.

Representing GDAS and Kaleidoscope at meetings, conferences, and stakeholder events is an important part of the role, ensuring that services remain well-connected and aligned with broader strategic goals. The post-holder will also provide senior operational support to other regions as needed, maintain professional expertise through continuous learning, and support the induction and development of new team members. Upholding confidentiality and compliance with Data Protection regulations is essential, along with ensuring adherence to professional training and study requirements.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Oversee the operational delivery of GDAS across Gwent, ensuring compliance with organisational objectives, service specifications, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Drive high standards of performance and quality improvement in line with Kaleidoscope and GDAS frameworks.
- Provide effective leadership and direct line management to the GDAS Senior Management Team, ensuring regular supervision and support.
- Develop and implement robust reporting mechanisms for incidents, complaints, and safeguarding concerns.
- Promote a multi-agency, partnership-based approach to service delivery, ensuring holistic support for service users with complex needs.
- Lead strategic initiatives to enhance service delivery and drive continuous improvement.
- Establish and maintain effective operational systems and structures to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to service demands.
- Monitor and manage service performance against KPIs, identifying and addressing areas for improvement.
- Ensure all GDAS premises comply with Health and Safety regulations, in coordination with the organisational Health and Safety team.
- Prepare and coordinate high-quality reports, ensuring data collection and reporting requirements