Service Manager (Children's)

Service Manager (Children's) Rate: £400 per day (Inside IR35, umbrella) Duration: Until Nov 2026 Working Pattern: Hybrid - minimum 3 days onsite per week Start: asap About the Role We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead the Child Protection Conference Chair function and support the continued development of high-quality safeguarding practice across Children's Services. This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring child protection conferences are delivered effectively, consistently and in line with statutory guidance and best practice. You will lead a team, provide professional challenge and support across Children's Social Care, and drive continuous improvement to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people and families. Key Responsibilities • Lead and manage the Child Protection Conference Chair service, ensuring high-quality safeguarding practice • Provide leadership, support and professional challenge across Children's Social Care • Ensure child protection conferences are delivered in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance and best practice • Promote a child-centred approach, ensuring children's voices and families are central to planning and decision-making • Work collaboratively with partner agencies, senior leaders and frontline teams to strengthen safeguarding arrangements • Monitor performance, quality assurance and service effectiveness, using data and professional insight to drive improvement • Lead service development initiatives and embed continuous improvement across safeguarding services • Support the development of a confident, high-performing team through effective leadership and supervision Key Requirements • Significant experience within Children's Social Care and safeguarding services • Proven leadership or management experience within Children's Services or a safeguarding environment • Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding practice • Experience leading service improvement and driving high standards of practice • Excellent leadership, communication and partnership working skills • Strong analytical skills with the ability to use performance data and quality assurance to improve outcomes • A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England • Passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and families