Location
Sutton, London Borough of Sutton

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
Up to £67,575 per annum, with additional Recruitment and Retention Bonuses:
£1,000 paid with first month's salary
£1,000 after first completed year
£2,000 after second completed year
£3,000 after third completed year and each year thereafter

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is located less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Situated in zone 5, Sutton offers excellent transport links, award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough enjoys high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and local developments.
Sutton is investing in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the "Ambitious for Sutton" corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to become the world’s leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment. This vision is expected to create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. With ongoing regeneration including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to supporting residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.
The Council is a key player in the South London Partnership, focusing on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment across five outer south west London boroughs. Sutton aims to shape its future to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
The London Borough of Sutton is "uncompromising in its focus on improving quality of frontline social work" (Ofsted). The Council works closely with Kingston University and regional partners through the Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership (SWTP), offering extensive pre- and post-qualifying education opportunities to support continuous learning and development. Staff are encouraged to support social work students and those in the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE), attend conferences and workshops, and access research and practice resources.
Children's Social Care is undergoing important changes to meet growing needs, improving care quality and creating positive working environments. With committed leaders and experienced managers, the service is introducing fresh ideas to support children and families effectively while fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment for staff career development.

About the Role
As a Service Manager within the Locality Teams of Children Social Care, you will provide leadership to social care professionals ensuring child-centred interventions that prioritise the best interests of children and young people. You will develop and implement policies and best practices to enhance service delivery, manage budgets and resources efficiently, and uphold the highest safeguarding standards.
You will lead four teams comprising Team Managers and front-line social care professionals, overseeing Child in Need and Child Protection services from initial assessment through care proceedings. Your role includes monitoring practice, managing processes, and ensuring compliance with local and national legislation.
This position offers a total salary package of up to £68,476 inclusive of bonuses and benefits, representing an excellent opportunity to advance your career in social care.
The Council fosters a strong, accessible, and supportive management culture that promotes regular supervision and continuous professional development for staff. Join us to help create an environment where children in our care and our staff can thrive and succeed.

Experience
- Qualified Social Worker with a Social Work Degree or recognised qualification, registered with Social Work England or relevant governing body.
- Significant experience at team manager level (ideally 4 years) with demonstrable frontline safeguarding practice.
- Proven leadership skills and social care expertise to develop services in line with changing needs and policies.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and organisational skills.
- Strong understanding of social work practice as defined within the Children Act 1989 and Working Together 2023.

About you
- Committed to delivering high-quality, child-centred social care.
- Ability to foster a positive team culture and encourage professional development.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
- Passionate about safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and young people.
- Adaptable and motivated to contribute to continuous service improvement.

Qualifications
- Registered Social Worker qualification is essential.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to learning.