Plymouth City Council
Service Manager - Quality Assurance & Safeguarding
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Service Manager - Quality Assurance & Safeguarding
Service Manager for Quality Assurance (IRO Service) – Children, Young People & Families
Plymouth City Council
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and ambitious Service Manager to drive high-quality practice and improved outcomes for children looked after. This is a key leadership role focused on ensuring permanence for children and implementing the Families First Partnership (FFP) reforms, including fully exploring kinship arrangements and developing Kinship zones as set out in the FFP guidance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Provide strong, visible leadership to a team of:
- Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs)
- Quality Assurance Fostering Officers
- Oversee complex decision-making to support the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) when required
Service Accountability & Quality Assurance
- Ensure services are safe, effective, and delivered within budget
- Hold accountability for quality assurance across the service area
- Lead audits, observe practice, and champion a culture of reflection and high standards
- Actively undertake a range of quality assurance activities (as per role profile)
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Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Work collaboratively with partners to shape service development
- Address emerging issues and ensure children’s and families’ voices inform improvements
Requirements
Essential Criteria
- Qualified social work manager with proven leadership experience
- A passion for improving outcomes for children in care
- Experience in IRO-related work or equivalent quality assurance in children’s services
- Understanding of kinship arrangements and FFP reforms
DBS Check
- Requirement: Children’s Barred List & Adult’s Barred List clearance
Working Arrangements
Plymouth City Council offers flexible working arrangements, tailored to the needs of the role.
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Additional Information
Equal Opportunities & Inclusivity
- We are an equal opportunities employer, considering applications regardless of:
- Age, care experience, disability
- Gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership
- Pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief
- Sex, sexual orientation
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
- Applications meeting essential criteria from disabled, care experienced, or Armed Forces Service Leavers (within two years) will receive guaranteed interviews.
Visa Policy
- This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship; only applicants with existing right to work in the UK will be considered.
How to Apply
For an informal discussion or further information, contact: Shaun Hanks – Head of Service Email: shaun.hanks@plymouth.gov.uk
Closing date: Sunday, 19 July
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