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Service Manager – Children’s Services (London Borough of Lambeth)

Job Overview

We are recruiting an experienced **Service Manager (Qualified Social Worker – QSW)** to join the **London Borough of Lambeth Children’s Services**. This senior leadership role is focused on managing multiple teams, driving service improvement, and ensuring high-quality safeguarding and support for children, young people, and families. As a Service Manager, you will oversee service delivery, manage resources, and work with senior leaders to implement strategies that promote child-centred, effective, and outcome-driven practice.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational management across designated service areas. Oversee complex safeguarding, child protection, and looked-after children services. Ensure high-quality practice through supervision, performance management, and service audits. Lead quality assurance processes, inspections, and Ofsted readiness. Develop and implement service plans in line with Lambeth Council and national priorities. Support and develop team managers and senior practitioners, promoting a culture of reflective practice. Ensure statutory assessments, care plans, and reviews are delivered to the highest standard. Promote effective multi-agency working with health, education, police, and voluntary sector partners. Manage budgets, resources, and workforce planning efficiently. Represent the service at senior leadership meetings, panels, and external forums.

About You

You are an accomplished social work leader with substantial post-qualification experience and proven management expertise. You are confident in driving service improvement, supporting teams, and ensuring that children’s needs remain central to all decision-making.

Requirements

Qualified Social Worker (QSW) with registration to **Social Work England**. Extensive post-qualification experience within Children’s Services, including safeguarding and service management. Proven leadership and management experience at team manager or service manager level. Excellent knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory frameworks, and best practice. Strong organisational, leadership, and communication skills. Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and workforce planning.

Contract & Salary

Employer: **London Borough of Lambeth** Service: Children’s Services Role: Service Manager (Qualified Social Worker) Contract type: Full-time, locum/temporary contract via Tripod Partners Salary: Highly competitive, dependent on experience

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Qualified Social Worker ready to take on a Service Manager role within the London Borough of Lambeth’s Children’s Services, we would like to hear from you. Please **apply using the form on the page**.