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

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

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Principal Social Worker & Social Work Academy Lead to provide strategic leadership. This role involves managing the Social Work Academy, developing training programs, and advocating for best practice across Children’s Services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social work leadership and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Competitive salary range of £73,452 - £80,878, plus market supplement and generous leave benefits.

Benefits

Basic annual leave of 31 days, rising to 36 days

On-site Gym access

Enhanced Local Government Pension Scheme

Access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role within social work.
• Strong understanding of social work practice models.
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Social Work Academy and ensure high standards.
• Develop programs to train newly qualified social workers.
• Advocate for social work practice at local and national levels.
• Implement systemic relational practice effectively.
• Oversee training ensuring workforce skills for child safeguarding.
• Contribute to quality assurance and service planning.

Skills

Leadership

Performance management

Training development

Child safeguarding

Education

Degree in Social Work or relevant qualification

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

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 is 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 us 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).

This is a unique opportunity to influence practice at a strategic level, drive innovation, and make a real difference for children and families.

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]
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.

Salary range

• £73,452 - £80,878 per year