Head of Academy & Principal Social Worker, Children's Services

Wokingham Jobs; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 73,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Wokingham is seeking a Principal Social Worker & Social Work Academy Lead to provide strategic leadership and develop innovative training for newly qualified social workers. As the principal advocate for social work, you will manage a skilled team and implement effective practices to ensure positive outcomes for children and families. This role offers a competitive salary between £73,452 - £80,878, plus benefits, including an enhanced pension scheme and access to an on-site gym.

Benefits

Competitive salary

31 days annual leave

On-site Gym access

Employee Assistance Programme

Local & national discounts

Car Scheme access

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience managing a team of social workers.
• Proven background in social work practices and legislation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to advocate for social work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Social Work Academy.
• Deliver innovative training programs for social workers.
• Advocate for social work best practices across the council.
• Implement effective social work practice models.
• Manage budgets and resources according to council policies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Team management

Training and development

Child safeguarding

Advocacy

Education

Social Work Degree or equivalent

Job description

Principal Social Worker & Social Work Academy Lead

Location: Wokingham
Salary: £73,452 - £80,878 (plus additional £3k Market Supplement)

Are you passionate about shaping the future of social work and driving best practice? We're looking for an experienced leader to head up our Social Work Academy and champion excellence across Children's Services.

In response to the national reforms, Wokingham are going through a period of transformation, reimagining the way that we deliver our services to children and families. This means that you will be joining us at an exciting time as we redesign our enhanced offer in Wokingham. This is a unique & pivotal moment to join our Wokingham, as we refresh our structure to strengthen our service and reinforce better outcomes for Children & Families.

The PSW & Head of Academy post will directly manage a team of skilled, passionate and experienced Practice Consultants, alongside Practice, Training and Retention professionals within the Academy.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and management of the Social Work Academy, ensuring high standards of practice and achievement of key performance targets.
• Deliver innovative programs to recruit, train, and develop newly qualified and trainee social workers, as well as specialist staff supporting children with SEND.
• Act as Wokingham's Principal Social Worker, advocating for social work locally and nationally, and championing best practice across the council.
• Lead the implementation of Wokingham's social work practice model which is systemic relational practice, ensuring staff deliver effective interventions for children and families.
• Oversee training and development initiatives that equip our workforce with the skills and knowledge to safeguard children and promote positive outcomes.
• Contribute to quality assurance, continuous improvement, and service planning alongside other Service Managers and Heads of Service.
• Manage resources and budgets effectively, ensuring compliance with legislation, policy, and council procedures.
• Participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota (currently one week in six).

What we can offer you

• A competitive salary: £73,452 - £80,878 (plus additional £3k market supplement)
• Basic annual leave of 31 days, rising to 36 days with continuous service
• On-site Gym access
• Access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
• Local & national discounts
• Access to Car Scheme in partnership with Tusker
• Enhanced Local Government Pension Scheme

All applications must be submitted in full online.

For more information or if you would like to have an informal discussion with regards to this vacancy, please contact either:

Carrie Mark, Service Director Practice Improvement Quality: [e-mail]

Or

Alix Williams, Recruitment & Retention Specialist for Children's Social Care: [e-mail]

Closing date: Sunday 11th January 2026 at 11pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 19th January, in person at our Wokingham offices.

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.

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.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.