Service Manager: Support and Protect - CMB1894i

Cumberland Council; England; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumberland Council is seeking an enthusiastic interim Service Manager to oversee children's services in West Cumbria. This three-month fixed-term role requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. The position involves managing complex cases, leading teams, and collaborating with partners. If you are passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply!

Benefits

Guaranteed interview for disabled applicants

Support for diverse backgrounds

Qualifications

• Strong background in children's services required.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills necessary.
• Ability to manage complex challenges effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex, high-risk cases to ensure children's safety.
• Lead teams to deliver high-quality services.
• Responsible for budget management and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Planning

Education

Social Work Degree

Job description

• Internal Applicants Only*
  
  

Salary: �63,830 - �66,642 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location(s): West Cumbria House, Lillyhall Business Estate, Jubilee Road, Workington

Contract: Temporary for three months��

About This Opportunity

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and innovative to take on the role of interim Service Manager. This is a peripatetic role, but the primary location will be West Cumbria. It is expected that the successful applicant will be based in the office a minimum of three days/week. This is three months fixed term contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex, high-risk cases to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the community.
• Lead our teams, driving performance and delivering effective, high-quality services for children and families.
• Take responsibility for budget management, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
• Work collaboratively with partners to improve and develop services across Cumbria.
• Provide expert advice to senior colleagues on critical matters.
  
  

Ensure district teams effectively support children in care, helping them reach their full potential in line with regulations and best practices.

Who We�re Looking For

We are looking for someone who has a passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and their families.

You must hold a Social Work Degree and have a strong background in children�s services. You�ll need exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills, along with the ability to manage complex challenges and deliver outstanding results.

Cumberland Council is proud to hold an Ofsted rating of 'Good� for our Children�s Services, demonstrating our dedication and strong commitment to providing high-quality services for children and families. Ofsted recognised that staff unanimously report a �real buzz about working in Cumberland� and that they feel �energised, valued and listened to�, observing that �leaders have established a strong Cumberland identity that staff can be proud of�.

If this sounds like you, then please get in touch!

If you would like an informal chat prior to your application, please contact: Jaq Fox: [e-mail] or Wendy Monnelly: [e-mail]

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 9th July 2025 at 3pm

Interview date:�Thursday 10th July (PM)

Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.

If you are invited to a virtual interview, this will preferably be undertaken using the Microsoft Teams software, which is currently free for new users, however if there are any issues with accessing this technology, we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements prior to the interviews

This role is open to internal applicants only.

Safer Recruitment

At Cumberland Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs) to share this commitment.

DBS Checks

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children�s and Adults Barred List check.

Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and 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 adults and/or Children.

We welcome applications from everyone

At Cumberland Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce, striving to mirror the rich tapestry of the communities we proudly serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are devoted in fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that embraces and appreciates our unique differences.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that applicants with disabilities, meeting the essential criteria for this position, are guaranteed an interview as part of our commitment to equal opportunities. Your diverse perspectives and talents contribute to our collective success.

We're also an Age Friendly Employer, meaning we commit to providing an inclusive workplace for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce. We recognise the importance of mature workers and aim to provide an environment on which they can thrive.

Reasonable Adjustments: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know on; [e-mail]. Adjustments are not always guaranteed although we will endeavour to make adjustments that are reasonable to accommodate your needs.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

Cumberland Council offers a guaranteed interview scheme 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
• Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces
  
  

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application.

Keeping the people we work with safe

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect unwavering commitment to this cause from our employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs). Together, we create a secure environment where every individual is safeguarded and respected.

Please Read The Supporting Information

Post Specification