Practice Improvement Lead

Westmorland and Furness Council; Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal, Penrith; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a Practice Improvement Lead to support Newly Qualified Social Workers and social work students through the ASYE, with a focus on Barrow in Furness. You will guide workforce development and foster strong cross-team collaboration.

We value experienced social workers who can coach, mentor, and supervise others while building relationships across services to develop the next generation of social workers.

Qualifications

• Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Have substantial post-qualifying experience within children's social care.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of social work practice and workforce development.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring or supervising social workers and/or students.
• Able to build effective relationships across teams and services.
• Committed to developing the next generation of social workers.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated support to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) through the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment and social work students.
• Support, coach, and mentor social workers and/or students.
• Strengthen the workforce in Barrow in Furness and across partner teams.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across services.

Skills

Social Work England registration

Post-qualifying experience

Coaching or mentoring

Relationship building

Commitment to development

Education

Qualified Social Worker (SW England registered)

Job description

Practice Improvement Lead - Social Work Academy

Location: Penrith/Kendal/Barrow – with regular presence required in Barrow

Contract Type: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract

About this opportunity

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to developing a skilled, confident and sustainable social work workforce. As part of our continued investment in the Social Work Academy, we are seeking a Practice Improvement Leadto provide dedicated support to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) through their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment and social work students, with a particular focus on strengthening our workforce in Barrow in Furness.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic social work professional who is passionate about workforce development and supporting others to succeed.

You will:

• Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Have substantial post-qualifying experience within children's social care.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of social work practice, professional standards and workforce development.
• Have experience of supporting, coaching, mentoring or supervising social workers and/or students.
• Be able to build effective working relationships across teams and services.
• Be committed to developing the next generation of social workers.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the recruitment, development and retention of our future social workers and a unique chance to help shape the future social work workforce within Westmorland and Furness.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 16th November 2026

Interview date: 26th November 2026