Child Protection Service Manager

6-month contract with a local authority Summary This is a 6-month contract with a local authority, focused on providing strategic leadership and operational management within Child Protection Services. The role is crucial for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective services for children, young people, and families.

It emphasises improving outcomes through strong performance management, safeguarding compliance, and collaborative efforts across key service areas.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage key areas of Children’s Services, including referral and assessment, social work, and permanency (including fostering). Provide leadership and support to team managers and frontline staff. Ensure services are delivered in line with statutory requirements and safeguarding legislation. Maintain high standards of practice to improve outcomes for children and families.

Oversee service performance, ensuring targets and KPIs are achieved. Monitor and improve service quality through audits, inspections, and continuous improvement activities. Ensure effective quality assurance frameworks are in place across the service. Address performance issues promptly and implement improvement plans.

Essential Experience Significant experience in statutory Children’s Services, particularly in child protection. Proven experience in a leadership or management role within social care. Strong experience managing service performance, quality, and improvement. Experience working with safeguarding frameworks and legislation.

Essential Qualifications Degree qualification in Social Work or related field. Social Work England registration (desirable/required depending on role level). Management or leadership qualification (desirable). Additional Information Working hours: 37 hours per week. Location: Ballard House, West Hoe Road, West Hoe, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3BJ, United Kingdom.

Work pattern: 3 days a week on-site, 2 days remote. Enhanced DBS required. Bi-weekly schedule. The role closes on 4th June 2026, apply ASAP.