Head of Service Quality Assurance, Inspection and Safeguarding

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

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Head of Quality Assurance, Safeguarding and Audit in Preston. The role involves leading quality assurance efforts in Children's Services, managing Independent Reviewing Officers, and driving preparation for inspections. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in children’s social care and strong strategic analytical skills. Offering a competitive salary of £77,883 - £85,119, this position is a unique opportunity to shape children's social care practices.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in children’s social care.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to influence at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Champion the Lancashire Family Safeguarding Model.
• Lead quality assurance across Children’s Services.
• Prepare for inspections and peer reviews.

Skills

Leadership experience in children’s social care

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Influencing at senior levels

Inspection preparation

Quality assurance

Multi-agency working

Job description

Job Description

Join Our Leadership Team as Head of Quality Assurance, Safeguarding and Audit

Location: County Hall, Preston, Lancashire

Directorate: Education and Children's Services, Children's Social Care

Salary: £77,883 - £85,119

About the Role

Are you a leader with a passion for ensuring the highest standards in Children's Social Care? Lancashire County Council is seeking a dynamic Head of Quality Assurance, Inspection and Safeguarding to lead and shape our strategic approach to safeguarding, inspection readiness, and service improvement across Children’s Social Care.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and sustain the Lancashire Family Safeguarding Model (LFSM), ensuring its continued impact and effectiveness.
• Lead the coordination of quality assurance across Children’s Services, including audit planning, execution, and reporting.
• Drive preparation for inspections and peer reviews, contributing to the directorate’s self-assessment alongside senior leaders.
• Manage Independent Reviewing Officers and provide professional oversight of key services including the Emergency Duty Team, LADO, Family Group Conferencing, SEND IAS, School Safeguarding, and Child Employment and Entertainment.
• Supporting the delivery of the Families First programme.
• Provide effective senior leadership and management of a diverse workforce, fostering a culture of continuous professional development.
• Develop and implement strategic business plans aligned with the core purpose of Children’s Social Care.

What you will bring

• Proven leadership experience in children’s social care.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Experience in inspection preparation, quality assurance, and multi-agency working.
• An ability to demonstrate the behaviours and capabilities of our leadership framework.

Please attach a word document, no longer than 2 A4 pages with the following:

• a detailed account of your experience in leading a large Children’s social care service.
• a statement on why you are the right candidate for this role.

Longlisting w/c 17th November 2025

Interviews w/c 1st December 2025

For a confidential conversation with our Executive Director please contact: [e-mail]