Service Manager (Children's)

Service Manager (Children's)

Rate: £400 per day (Inside IR35, umbrella)

Duration: Until Nov 2026

Working Pattern: Hybrid - minimum 3 days onsite per week

Start: asap

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead the Child Protection Conference Chair function and support the continued development of high-quality safeguarding practice across Children's Services.

This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring child protection conferences are delivered effectively, consistently and in line with statutory guidance and best practice. You will lead a team, provide professional challenge and support across Children's Social Care, and drive continuous improvement to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Child Protection Conference Chair service, ensuring high-quality safeguarding practice
• Provide leadership, support and professional challenge across Children's Social Care
• Ensure child protection conferences are delivered in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance and best practice
• Promote a child-centred approach, ensuring children's voices and families are central to planning and decision-making
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies, senior leaders and frontline teams to strengthen safeguarding arrangements
• Monitor performance, quality assurance and service effectiveness, using data and professional insight to drive improvement
• Lead service development initiatives and embed continuous improvement across safeguarding services
• Support the development of a confident, high-performing team through effective leadership and supervision

Key Requirements

• Significant experience within Children's Social Care and safeguarding services
• Proven leadership or management experience within Children's Services or a safeguarding environment
• Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding practice
• Experience leading service improvement and driving high standards of practice
• Excellent leadership, communication and partnership working skills
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use performance data and quality assurance to improve outcomes
• A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England
• Passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and families