Service Lead - Front Door & MACPT Pilot

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is looking for a visionary leader to head the Integrated Front Door service and Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) pilot. This role involves strategic development and management of teams focused on early intervention, safeguarding legislation, and collaboration. Join a forward-thinking council that values professional growth and makes a real impact in the community.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £72,643

27 days annual leave, rising to 32 with service

Generous Pension Scheme through the LGPS

Career development through the Social Work Academy

Flexible & agile working

Access to mental health & wellbeing support

Free staff parking with lockable bike storage

Qualifications

• Current SWE registration is required.
• Proven senior leadership experience in Children’s Social Care.
• Ability to inspire and influence others.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic and operational development of the Front Door and MACPT pilot.
• Build and manage a multi-agency team focused on early help for children and families.
• Develop pathways, policies, and quality assurance frameworks.

Skills

Leadership in Children’s Social Care

Understanding of safeguarding legislation

Collaborative mindset

Education

Qualified social worker (DipSW, CQSW or equivalent)

Job description

At Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, we’re on a bold journey to transform how we support children and families. We’re building a brand-new Integrated Front Door service and launching a pioneering Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) pilot - and we need a visionary leader to take the helm.

This is more than a job. It’s a chance to shape how we respond to children and families at the earliest point of contact, ensuring that every referral is met with timely, proportionate, and effective support.

Your Impact:

• Lead the strategic and operational development of the Front Door and MACPT pilot.
• Build and manage a dynamic, multi-agency team focused on early help for children and families.
• Develop pathways, policies, and quality assurance frameworks that drive excellence.
• Champion systemic, strengths-based approaches to practice.
• Foster strong partnerships and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee supervision, performance, and the evaluation of the MACPT pilot.

What You Bring:

• Qualified social worker (DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) with current SWE registration.
• Proven senior leadership experience in Children’s Social Care.
• Deep understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection, and multi‑agency working.
• A collaborative, innovative mindset with the ability to inspire and influence.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward‑thinking council committed to delivering high‑quality, child‑centred services.
• Lead a transformational project that will shape the future of safeguarding and early intervention.
• Work in a supportive, ambitious environment that values professional growth and innovation.
• Make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Stockton‑on‑Tees.

We offer an excellent total reward package, including:

• A competitive salary of up to £72,643.
• 27 days annual leave per year rising to 32 with 5 years service (plus bank holidays). Ability to purchase additional leave is also available.
• Generous Pension Scheme through the LGPS with ability to pay extra and plan for retirement.
• SWE registration paid.
• Career development through the Social Work Academy.
• Clear progression pathways & internal mobility.
• Flexible & agile working.
• True work/home balance.
• Modern riverside HQ – Dunedin House, which has an onsite café & wellbeing room. Also closely located to Thornaby train station & bus routes.
• Free staff parking with lockable bike storage.
• Great tech – piloting Magic Notes for smarter working.
• Mental health & wellbeing support, with access to a 24/7 counselling service.
• Free face‑to‑face therapy, physiotherapy and access to online GP appointments.
• VivUp Scheme – discounts at 1000+ retailers.
• Access to NHS Fleet Car Lease scheme.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role before you apply, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Louise Hollickon at 01642 528490 or email [e-mail].

We are intending to interview on 3 December 2025, therefore it would be helpful if you can keep this date in mind for your diary planning and we’ll let you know as soon as possible if you’ve been shortlisted.

Guidance for applicants

You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, including your invite to interview if you are short‑listed. Please check your email after the closing date for notification from ‘[e-mail]’. All communication will also appear in the ‘My Messages’ section of your North East Jobs account.