Practice Consultant - Children's Services
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Wokingham Borough Council is seeking an exceptional Practice Consultant to join our Children’s Services Workforce Academy. This is a key role supporting the growth, development, and confidence of our children’s services workforce — and helping us deliver consistently excellent practice for children, young people and families.
You’ll bring passion for high‑quality social work, a strong foundation in systemic and relational approaches, and the ability to inspire others. This is a fantastic opportunity to have influence across the whole service and shape practice at every level.
Children's Services are transitioning through a period of planned restructure, as we align with the national Reforms. To reflect this we are seeking experienced, permanent Social Worker Practitioners who are looking for a chance to influence practice across a whole service and shape our learning culture.
About the Role
As a Practice Consultant, you will:
- Support the implementation of systemic and relational practice across Children’s Services.
- Strengthen practice quality and consistency through coaching, mentoring and modelling.
- Design and deliver accessible, engaging training linked to our practice framework.
- Facilitate reflective spaces to support critical thinking and learning.
- Contribute to audits, thematic reviews and wider quality assurance activity.
- Build strong partnerships across social care, SEND, health, education, youth justice and other teams.
- Support early‑career workers, students and apprentices to develop their skills and confidence.
- Promote wellbeing, resilience and reflective practice across the workforce.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Social Work qualification + SWE registration
- Minimum 3 years post‑qualifying statutory experience
- Current Senior Social Worker level or above
- Experience coaching, guiding or supporting others
- Strong understanding of legislation, best practice, safeguarding and systemic approaches
- Excellent communication and relational skills
Desirable
- Practice Educator (Stage 1/2)
- Systemic, coaching or teaching qualification
- Experience designing/delivering training or contributing to QA activity
What We Offer
- Salary of £52,414 - £56,732 per annum (plus additional £3k Market Supplement)
- Supportive leadership and regular supervision
- Generous annual leave + extra 5 days after 5 years
- Local and national discount schemes
- Car salary sacrifice scheme
About Wokingham
Wokingham Borough is a fantastic place to live and work — with great transport links, excellent schools, a thriving economy, and beautiful green spaces. It’s a vibrant area with strong communities and an exceptional quality of life.
If you're passionate about practice, committed to supporting others, and excited to drive meaningful change across Children’s Services, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today using the link below.
For an informal conversation, contact:
Alix Williams (Children’s Services Recruitment): Alix.Williams@wokingham.gov.uk or Jennie Oatham (Principal Social Worker & Head of Academy): jennie.oatham@wokingham.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 19th April 2026 at 23:00
Interviews: 5th May 2026 (in person, Wokingham)
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary range
- £52,414 - £56,732 per year