Head of Service, Improvement

HEAD OF SERVICE IMPROVEMENT – CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE
Interim 12 month contract | Start ASAP
£480-£500 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Flexible working options

CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place week commencing 20 April 2026

This is a pivotal opportunity to step into a high‑impact leadership role at the heart of a major transformation programme.

As Head of Service Improvement – Children’s Social Care, you will report into the senior leadership team and take full accountability for service delivery, performance and reform across children’s services. You will shape and drive large‑scale improvement activity, influence system partners and ensure children and families experience meaningful, lasting change. If you thrive in complex environments, enjoy turning reform into operational reality and want to lead at pace, this is a role you’ll want to explore.

You will hold strategic responsibility for national and local reform programmes, inspection readiness and governance, while leading managers and multi‑agency partners through sustained change. This role offers real scope to influence practice, culture and outcomes at scale.

Your role as Head of Service Improvement – Children’s Social Care:

• Strategic leadership of transformation, improvement and reform across children’s services
• Ownership of performance management, inspection preparation and DfE requirements
• Programme governance including boards, workstreams, RAG reporting and risk management
• Delivery of reform roadmaps, ensuring milestones, outcomes and value for money
• Partnership working across education, health, police and the voluntary sector, with strong joint accountability

Your experience as Head of Service Improvement – Children’s Social Care:

• Significant recent experience leading sustained change within Children’s Social Care
• Proven ability to translate national reform into operational practice
• Strong system leadership skills with a track record of multi‑agency collaboration
• Confidence using data and insight to evidence impact and drive improvement
• Credibility at senior level, including working with inspection bodies and government departments

As Head of Service Improvement – Children’s Social Care, you will also champion co‑production with children, families and carers, embed new models of working such as Early Support and Family Help, and ensure statutory responsibilities are consistently met. You will represent the service at strategic forums locally, regionally and nationally, while developing business cases and maximising funding opportunities.

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who would be a great fit for the Head of Service Improvement – Children’s Social Care, apply today or get in touch for a confidential conversation.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and supporting reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Share on linkedIn