Principal Social Worker

Wiltshire Career Site; Trowbridge; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiltshire Council is seeking an exceptional Principal Social Worker to shape adult social care practice and culture. You will lead, influence and support a workforce across the county, embedding a new practice model and driving improvements for adults, carers and communities.

The role requires registration as a social worker with Social Work England, substantial senior leadership in Adult Social Care, and a credible voice at senior levels while staying connected to frontline practice.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker registered with Social Work England.
• Significant senior leadership experience in Adult Social Care.
• Knowledge of adult safeguarding, the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
• Proven track record of leading change and developing others.

Responsibilities

• Lead practice and embed the new practice model across Adult Social Care.
• Champion professional standards and support reflective practice with colleagues and partners.
• Use evidence, audits and feedback to strengthen quality and drive improvement.
• Influence at senior level while staying connected to frontline practice.
• Lead visible, system-wide change to improve everyday experiences for adults and carers.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Registered social worker (Social Work England)

Job description

Salary: £57,814 - £61,489 per annum

Hours per week: 37 hours

Interview date: 1st December 2026

Shape the future of adult social work in a CQC Good-rated authority.

We are looking for an exceptional and experienced social work leader to take on the role of Principal Social Worker. This is a high-profile opportunity for someone who wants to lead practice, influence culture and make a real difference for adults, carers and communities across Wiltshire.

Wiltshire is a forward-thinking local authority with strong foundations and a clear ambition for the future. Following our CQC Good rating, we are building on what works while continuing to raise expectations for excellent, strengths-based and person-centred practice. We have just launched a new innovative practice model, and as Principal Social Worker you will be at the forefront of embedding it across Adult Social Care.

This role offers the chance to lead visible, system-wide change. You will champion professional standards, support confident and reflective practice, and work with colleagues, partners and people who draw on support to turn our practice model into meaningful improvements in everyday experience. You will use evidence, audit, feedback and learning to strengthen quality, drive improvement and help shape a workforce that is ambitious, inclusive and proud of its practice.

We are looking for a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England, with significant senior leadership experience in Adult Social Care. You will bring expert knowledge of adult safeguarding, the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and associated legislation, alongside a strong track record of leading change, improving practice and developing others. You will be a credible professional voice, able to influence at senior level while staying connected to frontline practice.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here.

Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer facing roles work entirely from their service location.

We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.

Contact details

Daniel Wilkins, Head of Transformation and Quality, at [e-mail]

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.

Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion

Disability Confident Employer

Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura).

Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission.

Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.