Locum Safeguarding Team Manager

Team Manager – Children’s Services

Location: Derbyshire County Council

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary

Salary: £negotiable

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Team Manager to join Derbyshire County Council’s Children’s Services team. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing and supporting a dedicated team of social care professionals, ensuring high-quality, effective service delivery to children, young people, and families across the county.

Main Responsibilities

 
• Assist the Head of Service in the efficient and effective delivery of the Children’s Services Social Work function.
   

• Lead and manage social care teams, providing clear direction, performance oversight, and accountability for assessment and risk management.
   

• Champion integrated, multi-agency practice to improve outcomes for children, families, and local communities.
   

• Deputise for and support the Head of Service as required, contributing to strategic decision-making and service planning.
   

• Lead the team’s response to the needs of schools, communities, and families—developing and maintaining partnership agreements.
   

• Assist with the production and monitoring of service plans, including setting and evaluating performance targets.
   

• Promote and raise the profile of social work across the local area and with key partners, providing expert advice, supervision, and professional challenge to staff.
   

• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and inspection requirements—delivering continuous improvement in practice standards.
   

• Oversee team and individual performance, including capability, complaints, and staff development processes.
   

• Complete regular case audits to support reflective learning and drive practice improvement.
   

• Chair key meetings such as reviews, planning, and strategy sessions for Children in Care, Child Protection, Fostering, and Adoption cases.
   

• Manage delegated budgets responsibly and efficiently.
   

• Work collaboratively with internal leaders, partners, and professional development teams to embed systemic practice and promote continuous professional learning.
   

• Support service development initiatives and ensure activities align with legislation, policies, and best practice standards.
   

• Produce regular reports evaluating the quality, effectiveness, and outcomes of children’s social work practice.

Requirements

 
• Essential qualification: Social Work Degree, DipSW, CSS, CQSW or equivalent.
   

• Registration: Registered with Social Work England.
   

• Substantial experience in children’s social care, including leadership or supervisory roles.
   

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and statutory social work processes.
   

• Proven ability to lead teams, manage performance, and drive service improvement.
   

• Excellent communication, analytical, and organisational skills.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact within a progressive and supportive local authority. You’ll help shape high-quality social work practice, influence positive outcomes for children and families, and contribute to the ongoing transformation of Children’s Services in Derbyshire.

Interested? Apply today to play a leading role in strengthening children’s social care and improving the lives of families across Derbyshire.