Service Improvement Team Manager

Service Improvement Team Manager – Children’s Services 18‑month fixed‑term contract
West Midlands Local Authority
Salary – Competitive (banding available on request)
Hybrid working

CVs are being reviewed immediately, and interviews will take place on a rolling basis.
Start date: March 2026

Reporting to the Service Improvement Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving high‑quality, consistent, and outstanding practice across Children’s Services within a West Midlands local authority. This role sits within the Centre for Professional Practice (CPP) and will focus on practice development, quality assurance, and workforce improvement.

You will provide operational leadership to a team of 2 Advanced Practitioners, supporting them to deliver service improvement activity that strengthens the quality of practice and ensures children and families receive timely, effective, and safe support. Working collaboratively with frontline teams, managers, leaders, and partners, you will champion best practice and contribute to strategic development across the authority.

Your Role as Service Improvement Team Manager • Lead on practice development and quality improvement across children’s services, working closely with practitioners and managers.
• Provide leadership and management to 2 Social Work Advanced Practitioners, supporting their professional development and overseeing their contribution to service improvement activity.
• Support the development, review, and implementation of practice guidance, policy and protocols to ensure staff have robust frameworks that enable strong and consistent practice.
• Lead and participate in quality assurance activity including audits, critical reviews, and dip sampling, ensuring learning informs continuous improvement.
• Promote strong internal and external communication, sharing practice developments, learning, and positive achievements across teams and partners.
• Contribute to OFSTED readiness, preparation, and support during inspection activity.
• Support participation and co‑production work with children and families, ensuring their voice meaningfully shapes practice and service delivery.
• Provide operational leadership, vision, and direction within the CPP, ensuring the team delivers its operational plan and maintains high and measurable practice standards.
• Promote a positive culture that empowers others, fosters learning, and drives improvements across the children’s workforce.

Your Background and Experience • Significant frontline experience within children’s social care, ideally with management experience.
• Strong understanding of best practice in safeguarding, assessment, and intervention.
• Experience of leading quality assurance activity and implementing practice improvements.
• Ability to influence practice, coach practitioners, and drive cultural and operational change.
• Demonstrable commitment to workforce development and delivering high‑quality outcomes for children and families.
• Experience of contributing to inspection preparation or improvement activity is desirable.
• A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who may be suitable, please get in touch or apply today.

(Referral scheme available for successful placements.)

Share on linkedIn