Head of Service - Commissioning (Quality) | Adult Social Care

Lancashire County Council; Preston; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Preston is seeking a Head of Service - Commissioning (Quality) to lead service planning and quality assurance in Adult Social Care. This pivotal role offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits, including a great holiday entitlement and development opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in safeguarding, strategic leadership, and partnerships. Join us to make a significant impact on lives across the county.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Staff discount scheme

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strategic leader with deep knowledge of safeguarding and Care Act responsibilities.
• Proven ability to lead partnerships across various sectors.
• Skilled in using data for service improvement.
• Motivational leader who supports workforce development.

Responsibilities

• Lead service planning to improve outcomes for residents.
• Act as the professional lead for quality assurance and safeguarding.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities.

Skills

Quality Assurance expertise

Partnership building

Data analysis

Leadership

Job description

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Job Description

Salary £77,833 - £85,119 per annum | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Adult Social Care

Lancashire County Council is seeking a highly motivated Head of Service - Commissioning (Quality) to join our senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role where you'll shape strategic direction, champion quality assurance, and influence service delivery across a complex and critical landscape. Working within the Leading Lancashire Framework, you'll collaborate with partners across health, care, and community sectors to ensure Lancashire residents receive high-quality, person-centred support.

This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on lives across the county while leading innovation, safeguarding excellence, and driving workforce resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and shape service planning across Adult Services, ensuring effective practice, performance, budget management, and workforce development to improve outcomes for Lancashire residents.
• Act as the professional lead for quality assurance, safeguarding, and care market support. Provide line management to the Principal Social Worker and Principal Occupational Therapist, supporting the delivery of the Living Better Lives in Lancashire vision.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships across the Safeguarding Adults Board, NHS, Police, voluntary and community sectors, and district councils to set direction and ensure integrated, high-quality care and support.
• Ensure statutory responsibilities under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and CQC frameworks are met. Use data, feedback, and business intelligence to inform strategy and ensure readiness for regulatory scrutiny.

What We're Looking For:

• Expertise in Quality Assurance and Safeguarding: A strategic leader with deep knowledge of safeguarding, Care Act responsibilities, and CQC-regulated activity, capable of developing and embedding quality assurance frameworks across operational teams and the care market.
• Strong Partnership Builder: Proven ability to lead whole-system approaches and build strategic partnerships across NHS, Police, voluntary and community sectors, and criminal justice networks to improve outcomes for residents.
• Data-Driven Strategist: Skilled in using data, feedback, and business intelligence to inform planning, drive service improvement, and ensure readiness for regulatory inspections and compliance.
• Inspirational Leadership: A visible and motivational leader who champions professional practice, supports workforce development, and drives innovation and resilience across diverse teams in a complex environment.

Closing Date: 23rd October 2025

Interview date: 4-6th November

Why join us?

By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted.

In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
• Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.

Job Description & Person Specification