Head of Service & Transformation Lead

Charles Hunter Associates; London; On-site; CAD 107,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Senior leadership role

West London location

Job summary

Charles Hunter Associates seeks an Interim Head of Service to lead the Mental Health, Learning Disability and DoLS service in adult social care through a period of change. Social Work qualification and substantial post-qualified, senior management experience are essential.

Based in West London, the role offers £50 per hour umbrella, with responsibility for service design, budget strategy, governance and partnerships with health, police and voluntary sectors, plus deputising for the Corporate

Qualifications

• Social Work degree essential with substantial post-qualification senior management experience.
• Experience leading service restructures including options appraisal, consultation and implementation.
• Strong budget management and knowledge of Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and Section 117.

Responsibilities

• Analyse performance, activity data and budgets across Mental Health, Learning Disability, DoLS, AMHP and related services.
• Develop and present costed options appraisals to senior leadership; test alternative structures against outcomes and budgets.
• Lead end-to-end implementation of approved restructures, manage staff transitions, maintain morale and governance.
• Lead legislative readiness for DoLS post-AGNI position, Mental Health Act reforms and SEND transitions; review and create service policies.
• Build partnerships with health, police and voluntary sector; deputise for the Corporate Head of Service when required.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Social work degree

Job description

We are looking for an Interim Head of Service to lead the Mental Health, Learning Disability and DoLS service through a period of change within an Adult Social Care directorate.

This role requires a Social Work Qualification with significant post-qualified experience, including senior management of adult mental health and/or learning disability services.

About the team

• Establish an objective baseline of the current service by analysing team performance, activity data and budgets across Mental Health, AMHP, Learning Disability, Transitions and DoLS.
• Develop and present costed options appraisals to senior leadership, testing alternative service structures against outcomes, efficiency and available budgets.
• Lead the end-to-end implementation of the approved restructure, managing staff transitions, sustaining morale through change and embedding operational governance across the reshaped service.
• Lead legislative readiness, designing and implementing operational pathways for the post-AGNI DoLS position, Mental Health Act 2025 reforms and SEND transitions, alongside reviewing and creating service policies and procedures.
• Resolve historic budget deficits by aligning redesigned pathways with available resources, while strengthening frontline capacity to meet statutory demand.
• Build strong partnerships with health, police and voluntary sector partners, particularly around Section 117 aftercare and crisis pathways, and work with Learning and Development to embed new legislative frameworks into frontline practice.
• Deputise for the Corporate Head of Service as required.

About you

A degree within Social Work (Degree/DipSW/CQSW) is essential, with substantial experience at Head of Service or senior Service Manager level within adult mental health and/or learning disability services. A proven track record of leading service restructures, including options appraisal, consultation and implementation, is essential. Strong budget management experience and a detailed working knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and Section 117 are essential. Experience leading services through legislative change is desirable.

What's on offer?

• £50 per hour Umbrella (PAYE payment options available also)
• A senior leadership role shaping the future structure of Mental Health, Learning Disability and DoLS services.
• Located in West London, easily commutable via public transport.
• Direct influence at senior leadership level, with responsibility for service design and budget strategy.
• Valuable experience leading a service through major legislative reform.
• A defined programme of work with clear objectives and scope to deliver lasting change.
• A chance to further enhance your CV and skillset within adults social work leadership.