Head of Service Innovation, Quality Assurance, Performance, Practice Development

Southampton City Council; Cardiff, Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Southampton City Council is seeking a Head of Service for Development Innovation, Quality Assurance, and Practice Development in the Adults Social Care team. This role involves leading strategic transformations, ensuring high-quality care, and empowering the workforce. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social care management and a passion for driving positive change.

Benefits

Generous local government pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Significant senior management experience in social care/health.
• Proven success in service improvement and transformation.
• Comprehensive understanding of social care/health legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic policy and frameworks.
• Drive a culture of excellence through quality assurance processes.
• Implement demand management strategies and streamline processes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Performance Management

Analytical Skills

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification

MSP or APM certification

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Permanent, full time, Head of Service – Development innovation, Quality Assurance and Practice Development to join Southampton City Council (SCC) in the Adults Social Care team!

About the role:

Make a Real Difference in Southampton: Lead the Future of Adult Social Care!

Are you a dynamic and visionary leader passionate about shaping exceptional adult social care services? Do you thrive on driving positive change, fostering innovation, and empowering teams to deliver outstanding, person-centred support? If so, Southampton City Council has an exciting opportunity for you!

We're seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Service - Quality Assurance, Governance, and Professional Development to join our dedicated Adult Social Care team. This pivotal role offers a unique chance to lead and develop the very foundations of our service, ensuring we deliver high-quality, safe, and responsive care to the residents of Southampton.

In this role you will:

• Drive Strategic Transformation: Lead the development of strategic policy, frameworks, and procedures that empower our workforce to operate effectively and in full compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Champion Quality and Delivery Excellence: Drive a culture of excellence by implementing robust quality assurance processes, monitoring performance against best practice standards, and ensuring continuous improvement across all services.
• Lead Transformative Change: Spearhead projects focused on prevention, early intervention, and seamless integration with health services within the Health, Wellbeing, and Adults Services Innovation and Change programme.
• Innovate and Deliver Enhanced Outcomes: Develop and deliver cutting-edge models of care that achieve better outcomes for individuals and promote financial sustainability in a resource-conscious environment.
• Empower and Develop Our Workforce: Be the strategic lead for workforce development and training, fostering a culture of continuous professional development, promoting staff wellbeing, and maximizing retention through clear career pathways.
• Strengthen Partnership Development: Be accountable for key partnerships, including the Adult Safeguarding Board and Safe City initiatives, National Government, the Council, the NHS, and other key stakeholders and partners, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable adults.
• Drive Efficiency and Effective Delivery: Implement demand management strategies, streamline processes, and champion a lean transformation operating model that empowers cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional results.
• Ensure CQC Readiness: Take ownership of CQC inspection readiness, review and improvement cycle to build on our strengths and ensure the highest quality of services.
• Carer Engagement and Support: oversee the creation and delivery of our carers strategy, ensuring carers are well-supported, informed, heard, and that high-quality respite provision is in place.
• Shape Policy and Ensure Effective Implementation: Be accountable for the development and implementation of all ASC policies, including financial assessment and direct payment policies, ensuring they meet Care Act requirements and embody best practice.
• Lead with Impact and Deliver Results: Drive a robust programme and project management approach, reporting into the corporate framework and ensuring successful delivery of key strategic initiatives.

For further information about this role please view the job description.

*Early application is advised as we may close the advert before the stated deadline if we receive sufficient suitable candidates.*

About you:

What we are looking for from you:

• A relevant degree and/or professional qualification (e.g., Diploma in Social Work, CQSW, Learning/Physical Disabilities/Occupational Therapy) or equivalent demonstrable experience, coupled with an MSP, APM, or other relevant professional qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Significant senior management experience in social care/health, delivering strong performance across large teams.
• Extensive experience leading large-scale projects and programmes with successful stakeholder engagement.
• Proven success in social care/health transformation, service improvement, and efficiency.
• Strong strategic planning, policy development, and financial management skills, with a track record of delivering savings.
• Ability to manage project finances, scope, and delivery to agreed standards.
• Excellent staff management, performance management, and cultural change skills.
• Extensive experience in building and managing internal and external partnerships.
• Experience in programme governance and reporting.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multi-agency environments.
• Comprehensive understanding of social care/health legislation.
• Exceptional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and motivate teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including risk management and coaching.
• A clear understanding of equality and diversity in the workplace.

If you feel you have the necessary background, experience, and skills to undertake this role we would like to hear from you.

What we can offer you:

Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• A generous local government pension scheme.
• Flexible working (role dependant). Up to 13 days of Flexi Leave.
• Hybrid working arrangements (role dependant).
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays.
• Online Benefits – salary sacrifice schemes, benefits and discounts.
• Great local transport links.
• Employee assistance programme with access to our health wellbeing and support.

For further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)

Contact details for informal discussion:

For further information and details regarding the Head of Service Development Innovation Quality Assurance and Practice Development please contact Lisa Bates, Exec PA by email on [e-mail] and she can arrange a call with the Director of Adult Social Care to discuss the role further.

Recruitment contact details:

Email: [e-mail]
Tel: [phone]

For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City CouncilFollow us on social media for regular updates on our featured jobs and latest news.
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