Head of Service - Safeguarding, Quality Assurance and PCFSW

Permanent - Full Time
Location: Lynton House

Redbridge is an ambitious, diverse and exciting North East London borough. What we do is driven by changing our relationship with local people to support our vision. As a result, we've developed innovative ways to build our communities and transform our Council.

We're one of the fastest growing parts of the country and the third most diverse London borough. Our communities are attracted by a mixture of excellent schools, relatively affordable housing, high-quality open space and rapid transport connections into the heart of the City.

Located in north-east London, Redbridge offers excellent transport links that connect it to the City in just 15 minutes via the Elizabeth Line. The borough uniquely blends the energy and complexity of inner London with the green spaces and close-knit neighbourhoods often associated with outer boroughs. This combination creates a distinct environment, rich with opportunity, challenge, and diversity.

Home to over 310,000 residents, Redbridge is one of the most diverse communities in the capital and this diversity brings creativity, vibrancy and strong community identity, making inclusion and fairness central to the council’s mission.

Redbridge Council has a strong reputation for delivery and its children’s services are rated outstanding by Ofsted. Resident satisfaction remains high, reflecting a commitment to practical, people-focused public service.

Why work at Redbridge

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader to take on the pivotal role of Head of Service for Safeguarding, Quality Assurance, Workforce and Principal Child and Family Social Worker (PCFSW). This is a senior leadership position within the Children and Families Services, offering the opportunity to shape and influence social work practice and service delivery across Redbridge.

You will lead a dynamic team including Independent Reviewing Officers, Quality Assurance Manager, LADO, Children’s Rights Advocacy and Workforce Development and be responsible for championing evidence-based trauma informed practice, safeguarding standards, and workforce development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for safeguarding and care planning services, ensuring timely and effective child protection conferences and reviews.
• Lead the Quality Assurance Service, producing reports that drive learning and improvement.
• Act as the Principal Child and Family Social Worker, promoting excellence in frontline practice and representing practitioner voices at all levels.
• Oversee workforce development, ensuring a skilled, supported, and resilient social work workforce.
• Champion evidence-based trauma informed practice, drawing on research, service user feedback, and professional experience.
• Contribute to departmental strategy, policy development, and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified and registered Social Worker with substantial leadership experience in children’s services.
• Proven ability to lead quality assurance and safeguarding functions.
• Strong understanding of national and local policy frameworks.
• Experience in workforce development and promoting best practice.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families.

To apply for this post please visit www.redbridge.gov.uk/jobs or copy the following link into your browser:

https://ce0320li.webitrent.com/ce0320li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107…

All short-listed applicants will need to demonstrate proof of right to work in the UK.

We are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment and welcome applications from qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, colour, race, religion, or belief.