Deputy Head of Service - Family Help

Luton Borough Council; Luton; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Luton Borough Council is seeking a passionate and experienced Deputy Head of Service for Family Help. This role involves leading a child-centered service focused on safeguarding children and empowering families, with significant responsibilities in strategic planning and improving outcomes. Join a dynamic leadership team to make a lasting difference in the Luton community.

Benefits

25 to 32 days' annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working options

Training and career support

Relocation package up to £8,000

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading multi-agency services.
• Strong background in partnership working.
• Proven track record in motivating teams.

Responsibilities

• Support Head of Service in driving transformation.
• Lead performance and workforce development.
• Engage with families to improve services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Job description

About The Job

Salary: £58,507 - £61,745 a year pro rata plus £5,000 market supplement allowance and £3,203 car benefit allowance

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2026

Do you have a passion for safeguarding children and empowering families? Luton Council is seeking two experienced professionals to join our leadership team as a Deputy Head of Service for Family Help.

In this role, you will be responsible, as directed by the Head of Service, for shaping and delivering a high-performing, child-centred service that provides early help and protection for vulnerable children and their families across Luton.

This is an exciting time of change and innovation as we evaluate service impact and enhance outcomes. You will work closely with teams and the community to ensure quality assurance, respond to concerns, and monitor key performance indicators. Your leadership will influence the strategic direction, standards, and culture of our Family Help and Child Protection teams.

You Will

• Support the Head of Service in driving service transformation and continuous improvement.
• Champion evidence-based practice and a learning culture to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
• Play a key role in strategic planning, operational delivery, and community engagement.
• Lead on performance, audit processes, and workforce development to build a skilled, resilient, and sustainable workforce.
• Promote equality, inclusion, and the Council’s commitment to regenerate Luton and improve life chances for all.

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

About You

You are an experienced and forward-thinking leader passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people, and their families. You thrive in a dynamic environment and bring strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to high-quality service delivery.

You will have substantial experience working at a senior level within children’s services, with a strong understanding of the complex needs of children and families in a diverse urban setting. You are confident in leading services through change and are driven by continuous improvement and excellence.

Your Expertise Will Include

• Extensive experience leading and managing multi-agency services across the public and voluntary sectors, delivering improvements and innovation.
• A proven track record in motivating and performance-managing teams to achieve organizational objectives and positive outcomes for families.
• Strong background in partnership working, with the ability to build trusted relationships with internal teams, partners, and the community.
• Substantial experience engaging children and families, increasing their participation in shaping and improving services.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to influence, negotiate, and challenge constructively at all levels.
• Sound financial acumen, with experience managing large budgets and complex funding streams.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding, statutory frameworks, and current policy developments impacting children and young people.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to audit, critique, and improve practice while focusing on outcomes and compliance.

At Luton Council, we serve one of the most diverse communities in the UK. This role offers a chance to shape the future of children’s services in Luton and make a lasting difference in the lives of children, young people, and families.

About Us

Luton Council is delivering the government’s Families First for Children Pathfinder programme, aiming to protect vulnerable children and improve services to help children stay with their families in safe, loving homes.

The programme allows Luton to shape future social care practice, including closer collaboration with health, police, education, and voluntary sector partners.

Children are at the heart of our work, including developing Family Hubs and making Luton a child-friendly town where children can grow up feeling happy, healthy, and secure.

Our Luton 2040 Vision aims to eliminate poverty in Luton. We are proud of our talented, committed workforce dedicated to serving our residents. Are you ready to help us deliver this vision?

We welcome applications from all community sections and are committed to reflecting the diversity of our borough.

Application process

This role requires a criminal record disclosure. It is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, so applicants must declare all cautions and convictions, including spent ones that are not protected. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant, but failure to disclose relevant information may lead to dismissal or disciplinary action.

Additional Information

We offer excellent staff benefits, including:

• 25 to 32 days’ annual leave, depending on service and grade
• Buy additional leave through our scheme
• Career development opportunities and pathways into specialist areas
• Generous pension scheme with up to 20.2% employer contributions and a 3x salary death in service grant
• Relocation package up to £8,000 (eligibility dependent)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support
• Flexible working options, including remote work where possible
• Training, mentoring, and career support
• Staff discounts on various services and products
• Local travel savings with Arriva Travel Club
• Bi-monthly social events like Friday Funday