Head of Service - Help and protection (Children's Services)

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Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Head of Service – Help and Protection

We have a fantastic opportunity available for an inspirational and innovative practice leader to join as our Head of Service for Help and protection within our supportive Children’s Services Team here at Wokingham Borough Council on a full time, permanent basis.

In Wokingham, we are ambitious for children and are transforming the way we deliver services for children and their families.

As the Head of Service, you will be responsible for the leadership and oversight of operational delivery and strategic development in the Family Help and Safeguarding service. You will provide leadership for the teams that deliver timely, effective help that reduces the likelihood of harm and promotes long term stability for children.

As part of our leadership team you will work collaboratively with partners to co design and deliver strategies that strengthen the family help and safeguarding culture, driving a culture of continuous improvement, participation and inclusion, through evidence based, relational and systemic approaches to practice.

You will offer creative, skilled and professionally competent leadership across the continuum of need in Family help and Safeguarding Services, by working in partnership with children and their families, our partners, voluntary and community sector and the wider council.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of days 31 (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more!

Key responsibilities:

• Accountable for the delivery of timely high quality and effective assessment, planning, intervention, and reviews.
• Lead teams that respond promptly to concerns raised by internal and external stakeholders about individual children and collaborate to create the most effective service provision for children and their families.
• Work with partners, in particular statutory partners such a health providers, Police and schools, to ensure there is a joined-up approach across the borough to working with families, children and young people, including those with additional needs
• Lead the service through inspection and review from OFTSED. Draft and present quarterly and annual reports for each of the service areas, ensuring key themes are identified and actions taken forward. Attend council meetings as and when required.
• Embed approaches to gaining user feedback across the service utilising different models as appropriate for the settings to underpin our accountability to children, young people and families and our commitment to improve the service. Ensuring that child participation and engagement along with family feedback contributes to decision making and helps shape and influence services for children, young people, and their families.

Candidate requirements:

• Registered with Social Work England.
• Comprehensive understanding of Children Act 1989 and other relevant regulations and guidance.
• Experience of leading teams within a statutory setting as a social work manager/leader.
• Experience of change management and leadership.
• Experience of Relational, Partnership working, stakeholder management, internal and external.

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Click the link below and apply today. Alternatively, if you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please e-mail estelle.kelleway@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: 27th July 2025, 11pm

Interviews: W/C 4th August 2025 (Subject to change)

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. 

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.    

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.