Service Manager Safeguarding and DOLS

Wigan Council; Wigan; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a Service Manager to lead teams in Adult Social Care. The role involves overseeing safeguarding frameworks, managing budgets, and improving outcomes for adults. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in adult social care legislation and leadership experience. A qualification in social work is essential. This position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for flexible working.

Benefits

Strong wellbeing offer

Ongoing professional development

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• Strong background in adult social care and safeguarding.
• Experience managing complex teams and systems.
• Proven expertise in MCA and DoLS.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and operational teams within Adult Social Care.
• Manage budgets and represent Wigan regionally and nationally.
• Drive strategic priorities and ensure robust governance.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Adult Social Care Legislation

Strategic Thinking

Emotional Resilience

Education

Relevant social work qualification

Job description

Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance

Wigan Life Centre South

College Avenue

Wigan

WN1 1NJ

Salary: Grade 14, £61,706 - £66,043 per annum.

37 hours per week

We’re on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough.

We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!

Your role

Join #TeamWigan as a Service Manager leading safeguarding and operational teams within Adult Social Care. You’ll oversee the Adult Safeguarding and DoLS teams, drive strategic priorities, and ensure robust governance, supervision, and performance across MCA, PiPoT, and safeguarding frameworks. You’ll manage budgets, lead workforce development, and represent Wigan regionally and nationally. This senior role requires strong leadership, partnership working, and expertise in adult social care legislation. You’ll champion Making Safeguarding Personal, lead complex casework, and support service transformation aligned with the Care Act and Progress with Unity principles.

About you

We’re seeking a dynamic, experienced leader with a strong background in adult social care, safeguarding, and statutory responsibilities. You’ll be confident managing complex teams and systems, with expertise in MCA, DoLS, and multi‑agency safeguarding. You’ll bring strategic thinking, emotional resilience, and a commitment to Making Safeguarding Personal and strong commitment and love of place. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, values‑driven, and skilled in governance, supervision, and service transformation. You’ll be comfortable representing Wigan regionally and nationally, and passionate about improving outcomes for adults. A relevant social work qualification and leadership experience are essential, alongside a proactive, asset‑based approach to risk and partnership working.

About us

Wigan Council has been voted ‘Overall Council of the Year’ at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment ensuring that your service will be continuous or 'unbroken' between the supporting organisations.

The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our 2 place missions; create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.

Wigan offers a dynamic and supportive environment for professionals passionate about making a difference. With a strong focus on collaboration and progress through unity, the borough is committed to inclusive, person‑centred services that empower individuals and communities. Candidates will join a forward‑thinking team that values innovation, continuous learning, and shared leadership. Wigan’s integrated approach across health and social care provides opportunities to influence system‑wide change, supported by strong partnerships and a culture of trust. The borough’s investment in workforce development, wellbeing, and flexible working ensures staff feel valued and equipped to thrive in their roles and deliver meaningful impact.

We offer a really strong wellbeing offer and ongoing continuous professional development. You will have regular effective supervision and be part of an amazing culture of kindness and compassion.

Here at Wigan, we are proud to support flexible working patterns, when the service can accommodate this. We also take a blended approach to where we work, depending on the work we do. This may include working from home, the office, or the community. We like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits click here to find out more about working for #TeamWigan.

Prove your right to work to an employer

To be appointed to this role you must be able to prove your right to work in the UK. Please visit the link below to check you qualify to apply. Please note, at present we are not a licensed sponsor. Prove your right to work to an employer : Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you want to talk through this post please contact Mike Wharton- Assistant Director- on 01942 828192 (Ext : 3192)

Interview date: Thursday 11th December 2025

This is a politically restricted role

This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Procedures plus Child and Adult barred list check

The employer is committed to safeguarding

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.

To view the details relating to this position, please click the links below :