Head of Practice - Hybrid Social Work Leadership

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service); Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support for colleagues

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Cafcass is recruiting a Head of Practice to sit on the senior leadership team and oversee services across North Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria, including offices in York, Blackburn and Carlisle. You will guide and develop a large team of managers and front-line social workers, ensuring high standards of practice and outcomes for children and families across the designated areas.

You will work closely with the Assistant Director, shaping strategy, leading change, and sustaining exceptional

Qualifications

• Extensive experience operating at a senior leadership level in a similar service.
• Ability to lead, influence and inspire teams to deliver high-quality practice.
• Proven track record in improving performance and outcomes for children and families.

Responsibilities

• Direct responsibility for ~100 service managers and 1,250–1,500 children across multiple offices.
• Lead internal practice improvement and coordinate with delivery partners on strategic and operational matters.
• Ensure high standards of practice and service delivery with strong performance management.
• Travel nationally and maintain visible office presence to model collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Performance management

Social work experience

Job description

Cafcass is recruiting a Head of Practice to sit on the senior leadership team and oversee services across North Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria, including offices in York, Blackburn and Carlisle. You will guide and develop a large team of managers and front-line social workers, ensuring high standards of practice and outcomes for children and families across the designated areas.

You will work closely with the Assistant Director, shaping strategy, leading change, and sustaining exceptional