Edge of Care Improvement Lead (head of service)

Interim Head of Service (Children’s Services)

6-Month Interim Assignment | Urgent Start

£650 per day

Inside IR35 (via umbrella)

Hybrid Working | Approx. 1-2 Days On Site

CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews are expected to take place over the coming weeks.

Are you an experienced Interim Head of Service who thrives on driving improvement, reducing demand pressures, and delivering better outcomes for children and families? This is an opportunity for an accomplished Interim Head of Service to play a pivotal role in strengthening Edge of Care, Children in Need, and Child Protection services at a time of significant focus and investment.

Working alongside an established senior leadership team and reporting within the existing Head of Service structure, you will provide both strategic leadership and operational oversight. As Interim Head of Service , you will have the opportunity to influence service redesign, improve safeguarding pathways, and support effective decision‑making to safely reduce the number of children entering care where appropriate.

Your Role as Interim Head of Service:

• Lead and develop Edge of Care, Children in Need and Child Protection services
• Drive improvements that reduce demand and prevent unnecessary progression into Children in Care
• Strengthen front-door decision‑making , safeguarding pathways and risk management processes
• Chair and support Child Protection panels and key decision‑making forums
• Deliver a blend of strategic service improvement and hands‑on operational leadership

Your Previous Experience as Interim Head of Service:

• Recent experience operating as a Head of Service or Assistant Director within Children’s Services
• Strong expertise across Edge of Care, CIN and Child Protection services
• Proven success in reducing Children in Care referrals and managing service demand pressures
• Confident providing both strategic leadership and operational oversight of complex services
• Social Work England registration with a track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families

This Interim Head of Service opportunity offers the chance to make an immediate impact within a highly visible service area. With strong senior sponsorship and an urgent requirement for support, this role will suit a credible leader who can quickly assess challenges, build confidence across teams, and deliver sustainable improvement.

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