Operations Manager for Quality Practice and Safeguarding Team

East Sussex County Council; Lewes; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

East Sussex County Council seeks an Operations Manager for the Quality Practice and Safeguarding Team. The role focuses on leading a team of practitioners, supporting safeguarding work and improving practice across Adult Social Care in East Sussex.

It requires a registered social worker with strong partnership skills and experience in change management. The post is based at County Hall, Lewes, with hybrid working options and a commitment to inclusive practice.

Qualifications

• Must be registered as a social worker with Social Work England.
• Experience managing teams, including staff supervision, motivation and team building.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and ability to apply in practice.
• Experienced in the management of change.
• Committed to equal opportunities and ethical, anti-discriminatory practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality Practice and Safeguarding Team to support and enhance the quality of practice in East Sussex.
• Oversee safeguarding enquiries, audits and quality assurance activities.
• Present, embed learning and advise on safeguarding; act as link for operational teams.
• Coordinate with partners locally and nationally to develop and improve practice.
• Update policy and guidance in collaboration with other divisions to support staff and partners.

Skills

Staff supervision

Team motivation

Team building

Change management

Education

Social Work England registration

Job description

Job Description

Are you a social work manager ready for an exciting next step in your career? Do you have extensive operational experience, understanding and empathy; knowledge of quality in practice, including best practice when safeguarding people who are experiencing abuse and neglect? Are you interested in working with partners locally and nationally to develop and improve practice in beautiful East Sussex? Then this role is what you are looking for.

We are looking to recruit a dedicated and experienced leader into the role of Operations Manager for the the Quality Practice and Safeguarding Team, with a focus on supporting our colleagues to develop and enhance their practice within Adult Social Care and across East Sussex. This permanent role is for a registered social worker with a proven record of being able to work in partnership with colleagues and partners to oversee complicated and difficult stories, support and manage change, and for someone who is confident in presenting, embedding learning and advising on safeguarding enquiries. The role is multi-dimensional, leading a team of committed practitioners, acting as a link worker for operational teams, and ensuring continuity in regard to as a MARAC duties. There will also be a requirement to undertake, oversee and report on audits and to be involved in other quality assurance work to ensure learning themes are identified. This will include working with colleagues in other divisions to update policy and guidance to support our staff and partners. You need to be a confident presenter, and able to adapt what you are presenting and to whom. This role is based in County Hall, Lewes, covers the whole county and we provide the IT that enables you to work from home on some days too.

• are registered as a social worker with Social Work England
• experience of management of teams including staff supervision and management, team motivation and team building
• have knowledge of the relevant legislation and able to apply in practice
• experienced in the management of change
• committed to equal opportunities and ethical, anti-discriminatory practice.

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of our community.

We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community, because we recognise the value of diverse perspective and experiences.

Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams unless you request an in-person interview. The interviews will take place on 30 November 2026.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

• County Hall accessibility details: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/contactus/visit-council-buildings/county-hall
• St Mary’s House accessibility details: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/contactus/visit-council-buildings/st-marys-house
• Cavendish House accessibility details: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/contactus/visit-council-buildings/cavendish-house

If you have any questions about the building accessibility for the building this role is based in, please contact the hiring manager.

The Operations Manager for the Quality, Practice and Safeguarding Team is a new role; leading a team of experienced practitioners to support and enhance the quality of practice of ASCH in East Sussex. This is a unique and exciting position which embodies the fundamentals of good social work practice as well as informing our key strategic objectives.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

If you are interested and would like more information, please email Sharon Leaver, Head of Service for Quality, Practice and Safeguarding and Principal Social Worker, [e-mail] for an informal discussion about this opportunity.

For a team that supports you, choose East Sussex!

About Us

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.