Head of Social Work Department

Location
Stratford Campus

Salary
£62,443 to £71,685

Post Type
Full Time

Post Type
Permanent

Closing Date
Wednesday 29 April 2026

Interview Date
Tuesday 12 May 2026

Reference
0716-26-A

University of East London

Founded in 1898, we at the University of East London (UEL) are proud to change lives through education. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We're committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a balanced, inclusive, and green future.

But we can't achieve this goal alone. We need forward-thinking, innovative, and curious individuals like you to join our community and help us craft our future. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people who share your passion for creating positive change. We're an inclusive and welcoming community that is constantly moving forward, never satisfied with the status quo.

About the School

The School of Childhood and Social Care brings together expertise across psychology, education, counselling, social work, and international relations to improve lives across East London and beyond.

Our three academic departments are:

• Social Work, Counselling and Social Care
• Psychology and Human Development
• Education

The School educates the next generation of educators, psychologists, social workers, counsellors and community leaders, delivering research-informed and practice-based education that is grounded in social justice.

Key achievements include:

• Outstanding Ofsted ratings for teacher education
• 1 in 10 teachers and 1 in 10 social workers in London are educated at the University of East London, and 1 in 6 students studying early childhood are on courses in our School
• Leading graduate outcomes in social work
• Top 500 global ranking in psychology (THE)
• World-leading research in early years development (The Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth)

About the Department of Social Work, Counselling and Social Care

The department includes three subject areas, or 'clusters', and the following courses:

BSc Counselling, MA Counselling and Psychotherapy, MSc/MA Counselling and Coaching (all of our counselling courses are accredited by the BACP), BA Social Work, BA Youth Work, MA Youth and Community Work, MA Social Work (all of our Social Work courses are accredited by Social Work England), BA Psychosocial Studies, BA Politics and International Relations, and MSc NGO and Development Management.

An exciting range of new university-based courses and new apprenticeships are currently in development at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Our aim is to have clear pathways for applicants at a wide range of starting points, including the School's New Beginnings course, up to Doctoral level and professional accreditation.

Our teaching embeds critical thinking, real-life case applications, and skills aligned with professional roles in social care. In 2026, our students will have access to placements, and the opportunity to set up peer support groups aligned with their developing expertise, in our Community Counselling Service in the UEL Neighbourhood Health Hub.

Research conducted by staff in the department is explicitly grounded in the needs of our local communities and at-risk populations. We aim to do the work that can be best done in our location. Our research regularly influences public health practice, national policy, and international debates on social and community care, mental health and wellbeing, and inclusion/access to justice for minoritised/marginalised groups.

About the Job

The role will involve leading and managing the Department of Social Work, Counselling and Social Care, delivering excellence across the full portfolio of academic programmes and activities, within the context of the operational and strategic development of the School, and in support of the achievement of the School's KPIs and UEL's Vision 2028.

As Head of Department, you will be part of the School's Executive Team. You will work closely with our Director of Education and Experience, Director of Impact and Innovation, Director of Career and Enterprise, Marketing Officer, EDI Lead, and School Quality Leaders, as well as with the Vice Dean and Executive Dean of School, to create an outstanding student experience within an impactful research environment.

About You

You will have:

• A doctoral-level and/or professional qualifications and relevant experience, and evidence of scholarship in the form of recent publications
• Evidence of leadership and management of course team(s) in higher education including experience of curriculum development and management of relevant programmes; development of practice-based based learning and authentic assessment strategies; and risk management
• Experience of validation, quality assurance and review with students, professional bodies and employers
• Ability to engage in strategic planning that leads to growth
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skill, an ability to work and deliver against deadlines, and to motivate and develop others
• Commitment to, and understanding of, equal opportunities issues within a diverse and multicultural environment

Benefits Package

Here at UEL we understand it's about more than just a salary. It's about the entire package on offer along with our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We know the market rates for this vacancy and will offer a genuinely competitive salary DOE.

We care deeply about your wellbeing and our benefits includes: 31.08% to 35.38% pension (7.4% to 11.7% from you, depending on your grade, 23.68% from us), 35 days holiday (plus 3 days over Christmas) plus bank holidays, hybrid working for most positions, and we're always open to consider flexible working arrangements. We have a subsidised gym membership, 3 times base salary life assurance, a cashback healthcare scheme and wide variety of other generous benefits including discounts on: Apple and Samsung products, holidays, clothing, fitness, lifestyle, dining out and weekly shopping.

Equal Opportunities

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we're committed to closing the "diversity pay gap". We're proud of the progress we've made and honest that there's more to do. We're determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.

So, if you'd like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today!

Further Details

Job Description & Person Specification

To contact the recruitment team please phone x 4600 or e-mail

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.