Head of Service - Commissioning & Transformation (Adult Social Care)
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 – Commissioning & Transformation
We have a fantastic opportunity available for a visionary leader to join our Adult Social Care Directorate as the Head of Service for Commissioning and Transformation, on a full time, permanent basis.
As the Head of Service for Commissioning and Transformation, you will utilise a robust project and programme management approach to drive innovation and deliver transformational change. Through structured planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement, you will ensure high-quality, sustainable services that meet the needs of Wokingham residents. You will shape and implement commissioning strategies that deliver improved outcomes, value for money, and person-centred care. Leading on service redesign and transformation projects that support independence, choice, and wellbeing.
This role will be at the heart of our transformation journey, one that has recently been recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as among the best in the country.
Following a comprehensive inspection in 2025, Wokingham’s adult social care services were rated “Good” overall, with “Outstanding” scores in Partnerships & Communities and Learning, Improvement & Innovation. We achieved one of the highest scores nationally(81%)—a powerful endorsement of our commitment to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Wokingham Borough Council has joined the Social Care Future (SCF) movement, a growing community commitment to bring about major positive change to adult social care. The SCF vision aims to change the way people think about social care. It talks about organising social care differently, so that everyone regardless of age, health condition or disability can live in a place they call home, with the people and things they love, in communities where we look out for one another, doing things that matter to them.
⭐Staff 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:
⭐Generous Annual Leave entitlement of 31 days (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
⭐Local Government Pension Scheme (actual contribution details to follow)
⭐GP Helpline 7 days a week
⭐Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 Your Care confidential helpline
⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
⭐Free Onsite Gym (located at Shute End, Wokingham)
⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Car and Cycle to Work
⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts – savings on shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and more
⭐Move through Menopause Course
⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – running, football, cricket, and more
⭐Learning & Development Opportunities
⭐Employee Networks
⭐And more!
Key responsibilities:
- Delivering high quality planning, commissioning, and improvement processes to drive change, innovation and excellence in social care commissioning in line with national and local priorities.
- Providing operational and strategic leadership of the adults commissioning service ensuring the required outputs and outcomes are achieved in line with the council’s vision, goals and objectives.
- Delivering our ambitious Adult Social Care transformation programme, ensuring the delivery of better outcomes for people, improved value for money, and a sustainable high quality Adult Social Care system
- To commission sustainable services with a focus on individual outcomes and quality of care, applying the features of good commissioning practices to local contexts, and maintaining up-to-date published commissioning strategies that are person centred, place based and outcomes driven, drawing upon relevant evidence
- Working with housing partners to ensure that people with care and support needs have appropriate and safe housing options, considering the best use of home adaptations and supported housing.
- The development of a co-production strategy for the Adult Social Care department
- Manage a small team of commissioners, to drive commissioning activities, to ensure best value and achieve a balanced budget, creatively drawing on a wide range of resources and assets as appropriate
Candidate requirements:
We are looking for a dynamic leader with:
- Significant experience in commissioning and transformation within Adult Social Care.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to lead complex projects and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership working skills.
- A commitment to co-production and person-centred approaches.
- Educated to degree-level or equivalent relevant professional qualifications or expertise.
- Has significant experience of successfully managing a strategic service, including people, budgets and performance.
- Understands the political landscape, legislative frameworks, and regional and national drivers surrounding the areas covered within the portfolio
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, 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.
Wokingham Borough Council has committed to becoming a Marmot borough to embed prevention, early intervention and address inequalities in all aspects of our work. This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of our Borough and the diversity of its residents.
Ready to lead transformation in Adult Social Care? Apply now and make a lasting impact!
Alternatively, to find out more or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact - Wesley Hedger, Service Director - Adult Social Care - Strategy, Transformation and Commissioning Wesley.Hedger@wokingham.gov.uk
Closing Date: 19 January 2026, 11pm
Technical Interviews Date: 28/29 January 2026
Final Panel Interviews Date: 2 February 2026
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.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.
If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.