Deputy Head of Service – Access and Duty
12-month contract | Start ASAP
£450 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hyrbid working 

CVs are being reviewed immediately, and interviews will be taking place week commencing 25 May 2026

Step into a role where you will genuinely shape how people experience Adult Social Care from the very first point of contact. This Deputy Head of Service – Access and Duty opportunity has been created to drive meaningful, system‑wide change at pace, with clear political and corporate backing and dedicated funding in place.

Reporting directly into a senior leadership portfolio, you will have one direct report (a Team Manager) with scope to grow and shape the team as new processes embed. This role exists to give Access and Duty the focus it needs -Safeguarding leadership is already in place- so you can concentrate on transforming access, flow and early intervention. If you are motivated by improvement, digital enablement and prevention, this is a role where your impact will be highly visible.

Your role as Deputy Head of Service – Access and Duty:

  • Lead Access & Duty transformation, ensuring timely, proportionate responses for new referrals
  • Drive digital access and self‑assessment, increasing information, advice and prevention through online pathways
  • Embed a reablement‑first approach, supporting delivery of the new model launching January 2026
  • Expand preventative practice, maximising the use of Occupational Therapists at the front door
  • Provide confident leadership, managing a Team Manager and designing scalable structures and processes

You will be accountable for translating strategic intent into operational reality, working closely with partners and internal stakeholders to improve outcomes, demand management and user experience.

Your previous experience as Deputy Head of Service – Access and Duty:

  • Senior operational leadership within Adult Social Care, ideally across front‑door or access services
  • Proven improvement delivery, redesigning pathways, processes and performance
  • Strong knowledge of reablement and prevention, including strengths‑based practice
  • Experience leading managers and teams, through change and growth
  • In‑depth Local Authority experience, with sound understanding of ASC legislation and duties

This Deputy Head of Service – Access and Duty role offers the chance to leave a lasting legacy on how people access support – simpler, faster and more preventative.

If you’re interested in discussing this Deputy Head of Service – Access and Duty opportunity in more detail, or know someone who would be a great fit, please contact Jade Hidderley on 0117 313 7110 or apply today.

We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation – do get in touch.

Our clients are committed to building a diverse workforce and recruiting based on skills and experience. Reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the application and hiring process.

Apply now

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