Head of Service (Therapies)

Shared Services Partnership; Winchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Winchester is looking for a Head of Service to oversee Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy for children with complex needs. This role involves leading the Therapies Service, managing significant budgets, and ensuring high-quality care and strategic service development. Candidates should have relevant qualifications, a strong leadership background, and a passion for making a difference in the community. A competitive salary and flexible working conditions are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working conditions

Internal development programs

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience working with children with severe and complex needs.
• Proven experience in strategic and operational leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of clinical governance and therapy service standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the countywide Therapies Service for children with complex needs.
• Oversee strategic planning and quality assurance of therapy services.
• Manage a £1.5M+ budget and develop sustainable service models.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational management

Interpersonal communication

Report writing

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy

Registration with HCPC

Membership of RCSLT or equivalent

Job description

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Salary Range: £65,895 - £73,902 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 27 August 2025

Interview Date: 8 September 2025

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Are you a passionate and experienced Speech and Language or Occupational Therapist ready to lead and inspire? Hampshire County Council is seeking a dynamic Head of Service to oversee and develop our Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy provision for children and young people with educational needs.

This is a unique opportunity to shape services that directly impact lives, working in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that values innovation, inclusion, and holistic care.

The Role:

As Head of Service, you will:

• Lead and manage the countywide Therapies Service, ensuring effective delivery of Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) to children with complex needs.
• Oversee strategic planning, governance, and quality assurance of both internal and commissioned therapy services.
• Manage a £1.5M+ budget and develop a sustainable sold service model.
• Provide professional supervision and clinical leadership to therapy staff.
• Collaborate with schools, families, health professionals, and key stakeholders to ensure holistic, child-centred care.
• Represent the service at tribunals and contribute to departmental and inter-agency policy development.
• Be committed to the development and continuous improvement of a high-quality service
• Develop an effective early intervention sold service

What you’ll do:

• Lead service development and innovation aligned with national and local priorities.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and safeguarding policies.
• Monitor and evaluate service performance using data and stakeholder feedback.
• Develop and implement individualised plans for children with the most complex needs.
• Support the professional development of therapy staff and wider education professionals.

Please visitour web page for further information on our Therapy Service (previously the Communication and Interaction Team).

What we’re looking for:

Essential Qualifications and Registration:

• A recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy (or equivalent).
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Full membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) or equivalent professional body.

Skills and Experience:

• Significant post-qualification experience working with children with severe and complex needs.
• Proven experience in strategic and operational leadership, including budget and resource management.
• In-depth knowledge of clinical governance, risk assessment, and therapy service standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage complex relationships and represent the service professionally.
• Experience in developing and delivering training to build capacity across the education workforce.
• Competence in IT systems and report writing.
• Evidence of managing complex relationships and potential conflicts
• Experience of developing efficient and effective processes to ensure cost effective service management

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Additional Information:

Head of Service (Therapies) Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.