Lead with Purpose. Inspire Practice. Make a Difference.
Are you passionate about improving the lives of children and families?
Do you lead with curiosity, compassion and courage?
If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
Southwark Council is looking for a passionate and committed Audit and Practice Development Service Manager (also known as the Principal Social Worker) to help strengthen our learning culture, drive high-quality practice and champion the voice of the child.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape best practice across Southwark’s Children and Families Services. You’ll play a central role within our Quality Assurance Division - overseeing audit and learning activities, building workforce capability and embedding a reflective, learning-focused culture.
You’ll lead the strategic development of quality assurance in relation to audits, learning, and workforce development - ensuring these functions operate effectively and support Southwark’s vision of being a learning organisation committed to meeting the needs of children, young people and families.
In this role, you’ll work not only within your own service area but also in partnership with other teams, agencies and groups representing children and families to help shape the highest quality services.
You’ll manage a team that includes Audit and Learning Leads, ASYE and Social Work Development Leads and business support staff. You’ll also lead on key strategic initiatives to strengthen social work practice and improve outcomes for children and families.
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Quality Assurance and Practice Development, you’ll fulfil the key function of Principal Social Worker - driving innovation, improvement and equity across the division.
About You
You’re a reflective, values-driven leader with a strong track record in audit, learning or workforce development. You bring extensive knowledge of social work, current legislation and evidence-informed practice.
You build strong relationships with ease, influence a wide range of stakeholders and create the conditions for learning to flourish. With excellent analytical skills and sound judgement, you translate insights into real improvements in frontline practice.
You are committed to the values outlined in Southwark’s Borough Plan and your approach is child-centred, family-minded and focused on improving lives and building a fairer society.
About the Service
Southwark’s Quality Assurance Service is committed to continuous learning and improvement. We work collaboratively to understand what’s working well and where we can grow - ensuring the best possible support for children, young people and families.
As a member of the Service Management Team, you’ll benefit from:
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds including those without recent QA experience - who bring strong leadership, relevant skills and a passion for this role.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tendai Murowe via email at Tendai.Murowe@southwark.gov.uk
Additional Information:
Use this space for highlighting key parts of the role:
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.  Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
At Southwark Children’s Services, we pride ourselves on doing our vital job differently. Our systemic, holistic, family-centred approach sits at the core of our values. And our endlessly supportive, collective, culture underpins everything we do to protect vulnerable children across our borough.
Southwark is a great place to grow and develop as a social worker. We continue to provide fantastic career progression opportunities. Supported by great partnerships and resources we are always growing and developing what we do through innovation, investment in our workforce and, most importantly, listening to children and families, and those that work with them.
Our offer to staff includes:
competitive remuneration packages
the opportunity to work in a vibrant borough in the heart of London with excellent access to Central London and easy transport links to the South East
a multi-cultural and diverse working environment, which provides excellent opportunities for enhancing your skills
modern digital plan with technology to support flexible working arrangements
professional development and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities through an established and extensive learning and development plan and opportunities.
opportunities to train as a Practice Educator and develop experience with student
clinical practitioners attached to every team to support you as an individual and your work with children and families.
culture of innovation and a ‘can do’ approach to problem solving in Social Care
stable, supportive leadership; Southwark has a lower ratio of workers to managers than most local authorities
small teams with supportive managers and manageable caseload
travel season ticket loans, cycle scheme, essential user care parking permits and local government pension
family friendly, flexible and agile working, from home or on-site
wellbeing programme, HSF Health plan and eye care scheme, EAP employee assistance programme, confidential counselling and support, and access to subsidised HSF health plan
If you are interested in having an informal discussion about this role, or working in children’s social care in Southwark, please contact Dan Comach, our Principal Social Worker at daniel.comach@southwark.gov.uk