Practice Development Lead

Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Tower Hamlets Council is recruiting a Practice Development Lead (Audit Officer - YJS) for a 12‑month fixed-term, full‑time role. The post focuses on auditing within Youth Justice Service to support continuous improvement, under the Quality Assurance Framework, and with day‑to‑day oversight by the QA Group Manager.

The successful candidate will conduct audits, design tools, analyse data, and help deliver training, policies, and impact measures across YJS and Learning Academy delivery.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years practice experience within a YJS.
• Auditing experience is essential.
• Strong knowledge of the legislative framework and national/local standards for YJS.
• Up to date knowledge of good practice in working with vulnerable children and families.
• Familiarity with quality assurance frameworks and reporting cycles.
• Understand how to drive and embed change within an organisation.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders at all levels in delivering programme outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Undertake audits and dip audits focused on YJS, designing bespoke tools when needed.
• Collate and analyse audit data and prepare reports with findings and recommendations.
• Support QA Manager and work with the Practice Development Lead to deliver QA by auditing activity.
• Contribute to training programmes based on audit outcomes.
• Track audit actions and monitor progress.
• Review and update policies and procedures to support implementation.
• Undertake quality assurance tasks including Management Case Reviews and Service Evaluations.
• Support end-to-end processes from audit to learning campaign impact.

Skills

Strong writing

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Mentoring staff

Problem solving

Technical reporting

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Practice framework

Job description

About The Role

Practice Development Lead (Audit Officer - YJS) – Project Role

This is a 12 months fixed term role, full- time (35 hours per week) at grade K.

This is a non-case holding role, with some flexible working arrangements (office based on 3 days per week and more if service needs require).

Tower Hamlets Council has an exciting opportunity for an Audit Officer to directly support the delivery of the Quality Assurance Framework of the Supporting Families Division (Early Help, Youth Justice/Youth Services, Children’s Social Care) with a particular focus on auditing within the Youth Justice Service.

The key focus for this role is to undertake audits, mainly in YJS, in accordance with the Quality Assurance Framework, ensuring effective and evaluative scrutiny of practice that supports the continuous improvement and development of practice in the service.

This role is based within the Learning Academy/Supporting Families Division. The day-to-day oversight and management will be provided by the Quality Assurance Group Manager with close joint working with the YJS Management group.

In this dynamic role the Audit Officer will:

• Undertake audits and dip audits (main focus on YJS) as directed by the Quality Assurance Manager, including designing bespoke audit tools where necessary.
• Collate and analyse audit data and prepare reports outlining audit findings and recommendations on practice areas for Senior Managers and other levels of the service.
• Support the Quality Assurance Manager and work alongside the Practice Development Lead (PDL) to ensure the delivery of the Quality Assurance Framework through an agreed programme of audit activity.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training programmes based on the outcomes of audit activity.
• Track audit actions against progress.
• Support the Quality Assurance Manager and YJS Lead and work alongside the Practice Development Lead to monitor the impact of learning and development programme.
• Assist the Quality Assurance Manager and YJS to update, review and produce policies and procedures and to support their implementation.
• Undertake one-off quality assurance tasks including Management Case Reviews and Service Evaluations where required.
• Support the process from the point of audit through to impact of the learning campaign with the PDL.
• Review end to end processes and tools relating to the Multi-Agency Case discussion.
• Support the joining up of the workforce development approach following audit findings with YJS and the offer from the Learning Academy.

The successful candidate will have the following skills:

• Strong writing skills to develop new policies and procedures.
• Excellent analytical, data analysis and presentation skills.
• Ability to present information concisely and with impact.
• Ability to mentor, guide staff in developing their practice and court work skills.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills and ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to produce technical documents that accurately report methodological and statistical information.
• Strong partnership building and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent project and time management skills and the ability to deliver high quality work in fast paced environment.
• Interest in and adaptability to work in line with our Practice Framework “Better Together”

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge and experience:

• At least 5 years practice experience within a YJS, including significant experience in auditing/quality assurance activities.
• Auditing Experience is essential
• Strong knowledge of the legislative framework and national and local standards and procedures relating to YJS
• Up to date knowledge of good practice and or research findings in working with vulnerable children and families
• Familiarity with quality assurance frameworks and reporting cycles.
• Understand how to drive and embed change at all levels within an organisation.
• Have a proven ability to effectively engage and deal with stakeholders at all levels in the delivery of programme outcomes.
• Bring a structured and organised approach with appropriate rigour.
• Bring clarity and pace to delivery in a complex environment.

The candidate will be required to work on-site 3 days per week at the Town Hall in Whitechapel.

The days to work from the Town Hall are Tuesday and Wednesday and one other day agreed between the successful candidate and the service.

About Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.