Principal Social Worker (Childrens) - CMB2664e

Cumberland Council; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumberland Council is seeking a Principal Social Worker (Children’s) to lead and shape practice across the Children’s Services in Cumbria. The role focuses on strategic direction, practice improvement, and workforce development to raise outcomes for children and families.

The post is permanent, 37 hours per week, based at Cumbria House in Carlisle, with a salary of £68,047 to £71,045 per annum. It emphasizes collaboration with partners and regional networks to drive professional standards and

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and professional leadership across Children’s Services.
• Champion high-quality practice and workforce development across the directorate.
• Support practitioners at all career stages from students to experienced professionals.

Job description

Principal Social Worker (Children’s)

Salary: £68,047 to £71,045 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Cumbria House, Carlisle

Contract: Permanent

This is a unique opportunity to shape and influence the future of children’s social work practice across the organisation. As Principal Social Worker, you will provide strategic and professional leadership, championing high-quality practice, workforce development, and continuous improvement across Children's Services.

Leading the Children’s Social Work Academy, you will play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of social workers and supporting practitioners at every stage of their career, from students and newly qualified social workers through to experienced professionals. You'll work closely with senior leaders, partner agencies, universities, and regional networks to drive innovation, strengthen professional standards, and ensure children and families receive the highest quality support.

This role is ideal for an experienced and inspirational social work leader who is passionate about practice excellence, professional development, and creating a culture where practitioners are supported, challenged, and empowered to achieve the very best outcomes for children and young people.

This role is available on a permanent basis.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

DBS Checks

This role requires a DBS check. The level of check for this role is: Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets)

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing [e-mail]. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

• Closing date: 02nd October 2026
• Interview date:14th October 2026