Service Manager

Suffolk County Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction & supervision

Professional development

Peer support & collaboration

Shape statutory practice

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking a Service Manager for Children’s Independent Statutory Services. You will provide strategic leadership across independent statutory functions for children in care and child protection, ensuring oversight, scrutiny and continuous improvement.

You will lead a skilled team, collaborate with Police, Health and Education, and drive quality assurance and service development across the county. A recognised social work qualification and full registration are required.

Qualifications

• a recognised social work qualification, Social Work England registration and significant management experience within children’s services.
• proven ability to provide strategic and operational leadership across complex statutory services.
• extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, safeguarding practice and emerging research.
• confidence in delivering independent scrutiny, constructive challenge and professional advice in complex situations.
• excellent analytical, report-writing and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders.
• experience of leading, supporting and developing highly skilled practitioners in children in care and child protection services.

Responsibilities

• lead the delivery and ongoing development of Children’s Independent Statutory Services, ensuring effective oversight, scrutiny and review of services for children and young people.
• provide robust independent challenge and professional scrutiny to promote high-quality practice and positive outcomes.
• champion Suffolk’s Signs of Safety and Wellbeing practice framework, embedding its principles across statutory services.
• work collaboratively with operational leaders and partner agencies to strengthen safeguarding arrangements and multi‑agency partnerships.
• drive quality assurance, performance management and service improvement activity, using evidence, learning and feedback to enhance practice.
• contribute to the wider leadership of Children and Young People's Services as part of a committed management team.

Skills

Social work

Leadership

Independent scrutiny

Stakeholder collaboration

Analysis & reporting

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Suffolk, base to be confirmed. Hybrid working
• Salary:£60,135 - £71,634 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to thechildren, young people, families andcommunities we serve, andtothe careers of our people.

That’s why, when you join us as Service Manager, you’ll be encouraged to bring fresh thinking, provide confident leadership and help shape high-quality independent safeguarding and reviewing arrangements across Suffolk.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As Service Manager for Children’s Independent Statutory Services, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight across Suffolk’s independent statutory functions for children in care and child protection.

You will:

• lead the delivery and ongoing development of Children’s Independent Statutory Services, ensuring effective oversight, scrutiny and review of services for children and young people.
• provide robust independent challenge and professional scrutiny to promote high-quality practice and positive outcomes.
• champion Suffolk’s Signs of Safety and Wellbeing practice framework, embedding its principles across statutory services.
• work collaboratively with operational leaders and partner agencies, including Police, Health and Education, to strengthen safeguarding arrangements and multi‑agency partnerships.
• drive quality assurance, performance management and service improvement activity, using evidence, learning and feedback to enhance practice.
• contribute to the wider leadership of Children and Young People's Services as part of a committed and ambitious management team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families across Suffolk.

What you will need

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• a recognised social work qualification, Social Work England registration and significant management experience within children’s services.
• proven ability to provide strategic and operational leadership across complex statutory services.
• extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, safeguarding practice and emerging research.
• confidence in delivering independent scrutiny, constructive challenge and professional advice in complex and sensitive situations.
• excellent analytical, report-writing and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and partnership boards.
• experience of leading, supporting and developing highly skilled practitioners working within children in care and child protection services.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

The team

Children’s Independent Statutory Services is made up of experienced and passionate professionals who provide independent oversight, review and challenge to ensure children and young people receive the support they need.

You will lead and support a highly skilled team, creating an environment that promotes professional excellence, continuous learning and high‑quality practice. Together, the team plays a vital role in driving positive outcomes and ensuring the voices of children and young people remain at the heart of decision‑making.

What we will offer you

In return, we offer:

• a comprehensive induction, regular supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities
• access to peer support, reflective practice and collaboration with senior leaders and partners across the county
• the opportunity to shape and influence independent statutory practice within a high‑performing service
• a rewarding leadership role where you can make a significant difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Suffolk.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader looking to drive service improvement, support excellent practice and lead a dedicated team delivering vital statutory services.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Allison Hassey (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 07717302309 or emailing [e-mail]

Closing date:11.30 pm, 27 September 2026.

Interview date: 5 October at West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.#LI-Hybrid