Description Head of Family Safeguarding & Localities - Ref: CH10324 (Fixed Term for 12 Months) Grade: G15; Salary Range: £71,983 - £86,121 In Walsall we have a continuous focus on improvement to ensure we can achieve our Walsall Right For Children (WR4C) aspiration that Every Child and Family in Walsall is understood, feels happy and safe, with a strong sense of belonging enabling them to learn, achieve, and succeed. Through building strong foundations and focused priorities we have successfully improved our processes, practice and partnerships across the borough to secure improved outcomes for children and families. The continuous improvements made through the WR4C programme has been acknowledged through a number of recent inspections. As a Pathfinder local authority for the Families First for Children programme Walsall Children’s Services is undertaking an intensive period of reform. If you share our vision and are passionate about leading on improving services, we have an exciting opportunity for you. About the Role We are looking for an exceptional individual to be Walsall’s Children’s Services Locality Family Safeguarding Service Develop and lead on the Wave 2 Pathfinder: develop and deliver local and national reform as part of the Families First For Children programme. Lead and Develop the Locality Family Safeguarding Service- Ensure that children and families receive the right help at the right time delivered by the right people. Develop the Family Safeguarding Model- this will require being able to work with partners to continue the Family Safeguarding journey Amplifying Service User Voices: Ensure that the voices of children, families, carers and the community is central to service development and practice improvement. Strategic Planning and Analysis: Collaborate with the Director and Assistant Directors to develop a new Children’s Plan, lead on service planning, needs analyses, and innovative research. Leadership and management of Locality Family Help Teams: set an example as a leader in delivering high performing culture where practitioners are empowered to perform to high standards. About You You will bring: In-Depth Knowledge: Experience and knowledge of children’s services. Leadership Experience: A proven track record in leading social work services, working closely with senior managers, stakeholders, partners, and Elected Members. Provide high quality reporting : experience of writing and delivering high quality reports at both local and national level. Knowledge of working with both local and national partners: Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and deliver this in a meaningful way to a wide audience supporting a systemwide consistent understanding of our performance and drive evidence-based improvements. Project and Change Management: Experience in leading successful projects and improvement programmes. Why Join Us? In a recent staff survey our staff told us that across Children’s Services there is effective strategic leadership, that communication is strong and that there are opportunities for career development. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of children and families in Walsall. We offer: A supportive work environment. Opportunities for professional development. The chance to shape the future of our Children’s Services. Closing Date: 08 th Feb 2025 Interview Date: 17 th February 2025 Join us in making Walsall the best place for children and families to learn, achieve, and succeed. View: Job Description and Employee Specification Walsall Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Legislation imposes restrictions on political activity for certain local government employees. This position is designated as a politically restricted (sensitive) post as set out in Part 1 the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990 (LGO(PR)R 1990) [SI 851] and S.30 of the Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English. Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children and young people and vulnerable adults. Note: Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time that they have lived, studied or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC) relating to anytime they were overseas Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. See our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.