CIC & Leaving Care Team - Group Manager

Job Introduction

Group Manager – Children in Care & Leaving Care Service

37 hours per week | 2-Year Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £56,724 – £60,049 (including £3,000 market factor)

Interviews to take place on 19 June 2026.

Do you aspire to work for an ‘Outstanding’ Local Authority and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people?

At Telford & Wrekin Council, children and young people are at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Group Manager to lead our Children in Care and Leaving Care Service at an exciting time of transformation and improvement.

We believe in seeing children as individuals — understanding their stories, listening to their voices, and supporting their hopes and aspirations through compassionate, relationship-based practice.

Our Approach

We are proud of our ‘family first’ ethos, recognising that strong relationships are at the centre of a child’s life. Wherever possible, we work to keep children within their family networks. Where this is not achievable, we ensure children receive nurturing care that promotes stability, belonging, and positive outcomes.

Our service is driven by strengths-based approaches, continuous improvement, and a commitment to delivering outstanding support to children and young people.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership role combining oversight of both Children in Care and Leaving Care teams. You will play a key role in driving permanency planning, improving outcomes, and shaping high-quality services.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Management
  Provide strong leadership, supervision, and support to Team Managers.
• Permanency Planning
  Ensure all children and young people have robust, meaningful plans that prioritise reunification or stable long-term arrangements.
• Statutory Compliance
  Oversee the delivery of all statutory responsibilities for Children in Care and Leaving Care services.
• Multi-agency Leadership
  Strengthen partnership working, challenge poor practice, and escalate concerns when needed.
• Performance & Improvement
  Analyse performance data and feedback to drive service improvements and report to senior leaders and corporate parenting boards.
• Strategic Leadership
  Deputise for the Head of Service, contribute to corporate parenting strategy, and lead on service representation.
• Quality Assurance
  Embed learning from audits, inspections, and reviews to continuously improve practice.
• Policy & Systems Development
  Lead on the development of policies, procedures, and service innovations.
• Risk & Safeguarding
  Manage complex cases and chair high-level multi-agency meetings.

About You

You will be a qualified social worker with:

• Substantial post-qualification experience in children’s social care
• Strong knowledge of UK legislation and statutory frameworks
• Proven leadership and management experience
• A track record of driving service improvement and achieving positive outcomes
• The ability to inspire teams and build strong partnerships

What We Offer

We value our people and offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous annual leave: 24–32 days (plus 8 bank holidays & 1 concessionary day)
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Career progression and development opportunities
• Staff discounts and salary sacrifice schemes
• Free parking and confidential wellbeing support

Inclusion & Belonging

We believe great services start with great people. At Telford & Wrekin Council, everyone belongs and every voice matters. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve.

Important Information

• This role requires an enhanced DBS check.
• It is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
• Please note: We do not currently hold a visa sponsorship licence.

Apply Now

Join us in shaping brighter futures for children and young people.

Please click on the links below to view the job description and person specification.

A CV template is available if you do not already have a CV.

For further information about the role, please contact Laura Wood on 01952 385817 or via laura.wood@telford.gov.uk.