Head of Service – Practice, Assurance and Development


Company:	Wakefield Council
Salary:	£80,658
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Wakefield, WF1 2EB
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	20 Aug 2026
Closing date:	6 Sept 2026

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Summary

Champion Quality, Innovation and Professional Practice in Adult Social Care

This is a unique opportunity to join Wakefield Council at a pivotal time of transformation and improvement. We're looking for an exceptional Head of Service - Practice Assurance and Development to lead the quality, development, and continuous improvement of Adult Social Care services across the district.

As a key member of our senior leadership team, and fulfilling the Principal Social Worker function, you'll drive excellence in practice, workforce development, digital transformation, business intelligence, governance, and CQC assurance. This high impact role will help shape the future of Adult Social Care, ensuring services are strengths based, person centred, data informed, and focused on delivering the very best outcomes for individuals, carers, families, and communities.

If you're an experienced Social Work leader with a passion for professional standards, service improvement, workforce development, and transformational change, we'd love to hear from you.

- Strategic senior leadership role

- Lead the Principal Social Worker function

- Drive quality assurance, workforce development and service improvement

- Shape Adult Social Care transformation and CQC assurance

- Competitive salary and excellent benefits

- Flexible and supportive working environment

Want to know more?

For further information about the role, please contact the Directors' Personal

Assistant Team at PASDASC@wakefield.gov.uk, who will direct your enquiry to the most appropriate person.

Interview Dates:

• Technical interviews: Monday 14th September & Tuesday 15th September

• Followed by a written assessment

• Stakeholder panel: Wednesday 16th, Thursday 17th, Friday 18th September (for successful candidates)

Join us in driving high quality practice, empowering our workforce, and delivering innovative services that maximise independence and improve lives across Wakefield.

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