Head of Children's Social Care

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES?

The Council of the Isles of Scilly is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader to head its Children's Social Care service. This is a pivotal role within the People Directorate, offering the opportunity to shape a responsive, integrated service that supports children, young people and families to thrive in our beautiful island setting.

You will lead the Children's Social Care Service, overseeing all aspects of Children’s Social Care for Children, with a strong focus on safeguarding, resilience, and early intervention. You must ensure that services are high-performing, trauma-informed, and tailored to the needs of our community. You will work closely with the Director of People Services (DCS/DASS), the Head of Adult Social Care, elected members, and regional safeguarding partners to deliver safe, effective, and trauma informed care.

Caseloads are small but expectations are high; the working environment is complex but you will be given the training and developmental opportunities that you need to succeed.    

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of social work, and Early Help, across the Isles of Scilly
• Driving service improvement, innovation, and partnership working including timely implementation of the social care reforms
• Ensuring that services are shaped and informed by the voice and views of children, young people and their families  
• Encouraging staff, whatever their role, to feel part of a tight knit team, working together in a safe and supportive environment    
• Ensuring compliance with statutory duties and safeguarding responsibilities focusing on evidence and impact.
• Managing and being accountable for operational budgets ensuring that finite resources are spent wisely and well
• Building strong relationships with the ICB, NHS, local health provision, police, schools, the voluntary sector, community representatives and safeguarding boards
• Ensuring that services are sustainable, evidence informed, equitable and inclusive in service design and delivery

We're looking for a candidate who:

• Brings extensive experience in children's social care and a comprehensive understanding of current social care reforms
• Is registered with Social Work England and can evidence recent professional development
• Has strong leadership, influencing, and change management skills
• Is committed an anti-discriminatory practice and evidences this in their day-to day practice. 
• Is professional, self-staring, flexible, reflective and has a ‘can do’ attitude towards their own work and the work of the team.  
• Can balance strategic thinking with operational delivery in a complex environment
• Is a compassionate, trauma-informed leader who listens to children, young people and their families and does what they say they will do.
• Is committed to island life, community relationships and thrives in collaborative settings.

Benefits include:

• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 27 days (pro rata) per annum, plus bank holidays
• Flexible working pattern
• Eyecare vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Active Scilly gym discount 
• Employee benefits package with 100s of retail discounts
• Training and development opportunities
• Generous relocation allowance available

Why the Isles of Scilly?

This is an exciting opportunity that offers the chance to lead with purpose in a close-knit island community where relationships matter and innovation is welcomed. You'll help shape services that reflect the lived experiences of children and families, and ensure every child has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and heard.

if you have any queries about the role or application process, please contact Sue Butcher, the Director of People for an informal conversation.  sue.butcher@scilly.gov.uk