Families First Project Manager

Isle of Wight Council; Thorley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is looking for a Families First Project Manager in Thorley, England, to lead the delivery of the Families First programme. The role involves project management, stakeholder engagement, and supporting service transformation. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills and experience in children's services. This position offers a fixed term contract with opportunities for agile and remote working, making it a great opportunity to make a difference in children's lives on the Isle of Wight.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work culture

Agile working options

Qualifications

• Experience in managing project teams.
• Strong initiative and ability to drive progress.
• Ability to influence stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Families First programme delivery.
• Manage project structure and scheduling.
• Monitor progress and manage risks.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Needs analysis

Business intelligence

Education

Relevant project management qualification

Job description

37 hours per week

Fixed term for 12 months

This role is office‑based; however, it also offers some agile or remote working

Join Us in Making a Difference

Families First Project Manager – Children’s Social Care

Are you passionate about driving excellence in children’s social care? Do you want to be part of a bold and ambitious journey to transform services for children and families? If so, we invite you to bring your expertise and project management skills to the Isle of Wight.

About Us – A Service on the Rise

We are 2 years into building a new Children’s Services on the Isle of Wight, following the conclusion of our 10-year partnership with Hampshire County Council. Since then, we’ve made significant progress, recognised through:

• Ofsted focused visits (October 2024)
• Peer reviews
• Support and recognition from the Local Government Association

We’ve introduced a new IOW MASH (Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub) and a Referral & Intervention Service, creating space for Social Workers to deliver timely interventions and achieve long‑lasting change for families.

Support & Protection Teams have been redesigned:

• Reduced caseloads for better work‑life balance.
• High level of management support & oversight.
• Reflective supervision to support your professional growth.
• Comprehensive training to help you thrive.
• Innovative Leadership: Our newly appointed Principal Social Worker is driving system improvements and implementing the Family First programme, ensuring families are at the heart of everything we do.
• Collaborative Culture: We believe in “Creating Change Together” – with regular all‑staff briefings and an ethos of teamwork and shared learning.

Our new senior leadership team is committed to creating a connected, child‑centred directorate, where Children’s Social Care works hand‑in‑hand with Education, Inclusion, and Access services to improve outcomes for every child.

About the Role

As Families First Project Manager, you will be a key member of the Business and Change team and will provide project management support to the Families First senior responsible officer of the programme to achieve agreed targets, outcomes, and objectives, including impact measurement and evaluation.

Lead the delivery of the Families First programme by managing its structure, scheduling programme boards and workstreams and co‑ordinating actions within the families first delivery plan.

To guide and support the team on programme and project management, business intelligence, needs analysis, and gap analysis to inform service planning, strategic decision‑making, and delivery of specific project objectives.

Job Context

• Take ownership of the project, using initiative to drive progress and resolve challenges.
• Line‑manage staff, carry out supervisions and follow the correct processes and procedures.
• Confident in leading programme governance, including organising boards and workstreams.
• Comfortable managing competing priorities and ensuring timely delivery of actions.
• Able to collaborate effectively across teams and influence stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Support the continuous improvement of services within the Families First Programme and children’s services.
• Support the current transformation programme within Childrens Services to develop the way we work with families and/or partners across the Island team.
• Manage the workstreams within the programme and ensure adequate controls and governance are in place to ensure they are delivered to plan and specification.
• Monitor and manage progress, change, risks, issues and provide regular and objective reports on their performance and escalation/action as required.
• Aid the implementation and management of frameworks for risk management, project management, programme management and continuous improvement.
• Provide specialist resource in project management either in assisting in the initiation of projects or to manage projects.
• Provide advice to the team on project management matters including appropriate documentation and governance/control.
• Understand and have the ability to report on the current and expected future progress of the Families First Programme and other related projects.

Why Join Us?

Our Vision: Creating Change Together

Our Practice Model: Relational | Strengths‑Based | Solution‑Focused | Restorative

Our Culture: Inclusive, supportive, and ambitious

We believe that our staff thrive when they are valued, supported, and empowered. That’s why we invest in the right tools, conditions, and professional development to help you be your best.

The Isle of Wight – A Great Place to Work and Live

Whether you’re relocating or already local, the Island offers a unique lifestyle stunning natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and a real opportunity to make a difference in a place where your work truly matters.

Ready to Lead Change?

Be part of something special. Join us in shaping the future of children’s services on the Isle of Wight. We embody this model in all our relationships. We embrace an inclusive culture and will support you in your role and challenge you to be your best. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of children on the Isle of Wight!