Head of Service - Risk Management and Business Unit | Adult Social Care

Lancashire County Council; Preston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a highly motivated Head of Service - Risk Management and Business Unit to join their senior leadership team. In this role, you will lead critical business support and risk management functions across Adult Services, ensuring operational excellence and readiness for Local Government Reorganisation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic leadership and risk governance, alongside experience in transformational change and partnership building.

Benefits

Competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme

26 days annual leave increasing with service

Staff discount scheme with UK retailers

Access to development and career opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead large-scale, complex operational services within Adult Social Care or Health.
• Deep understanding of risk management, health and safety, and governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in leading transformational change programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the directorate's risk management strategy and ensure robust governance.
• Drive the preparations for Local Government Reorganisation.
• Lead the digital by design change programme.

Skills

Strategic Leadership Experience

Expertise in Risk and Governance

Change and Innovation Champion

Collaborative Influencer

Job description

Overview

Lancashire County Council is seeking a highly motivated Head of Service - Risk Management and Business Unit to join our senior leadership team. This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape critical business support and risk management functions across Adult Services, ensuring operational excellence and strategic readiness for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Working within the Leading Lancashire Framework, you'll play a pivotal role in safeguarding statutory responsibilities, driving digital transformation, and building resilient systems that support high-quality care for our residents.

If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for governance, innovation, and partnership working, this is your chance to make a lasting impact across Lancashire.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the directorate's risk management strategy, ensuring robust governance, health and safety practices, and effective audit processes. Maintain accurate risk registers and oversee compliance with internal and external regulatory frameworks.
• Drive the directorate's preparations for LGR, ensuring smooth transition of statutory functions and regulatory responsibilities. Collaborate with senior leaders and partners to deliver safe and effective change.
• Lead the "digital by design" change programme, modernising business processes and enabling operational and commissioning teams to maximise technology and workforce efficiency.
• Establish and maintain strong strategic partnerships across the Safeguarding Adults Board, NHS, Police, and community safety networks. Support the Adult Improvement Programme Board and ensure business intelligence informs planning and performance.

What We're Looking For

• Strategic Leadership Experience: Proven ability to lead large-scale, complex operational services within Adult Social Care or Health, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality outcomes in a regulated environment.
• Expertise in Risk and Governance: Deep understanding of risk management, health and safety, and governance frameworks, including experience managing compliance with Care Quality Commission standards and other statutory responsibilities.
• Change and Innovation Champion: Demonstrated success in leading transformational change programmes, particularly those involving digital innovation, service redesign, and cross-organisational improvement initiatives.
• Collaborative Influencer: Skilled in building strategic partnerships and influencing senior stakeholders across health, social care, and community networks, with the ability to represent the council at external forums and shape wider policy agendas.

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.