Job Introduction
Bradford Children and Families Trust was established in April 2023 to enhance the quality and delivery of Children’s Services across our district. Our purpose is clear, to ensure that our promise to improve the outcomes for all children and families in Bradford becomes a reality. It requires dedication, determination, and resilience – but under the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership team who have an unwavering drive to deliver the best, we are confident that we’ll achieve our ambition – and yours.
About The Role
We are looking for an exceptional Head of Service with specialist knowledge in the delivery of effective prevention and early help. This exciting new role champions the strength of early help and family support approaches to identify issues ‘upstream’ as issues begin to emerge, in order to improve outcomes. Childrens Social Care has operated a Principal Social Worker model for many years and now its time for Early Help and Family Help to do the same.
Key Responsibilities
As the Principal Early Help Head of Service, you will:
- Lead effective practice across the district Family Hubs, enabling high quality and consistent Family Support, Family Help, Outreach & Engagement activity and community solutions with our well established Voluntary & Community sector . It is vital for the post holder to in ensure that activity aligns with the Families First reform agenda alongside new guidance and pending legislation.
- Embed new operating models and enable strong and consistent performance across Trust Services and wider partners who have a shared responsibility for early help assessments.
- Inspire and guide a range of practitioners across the system, with a key focus on quality, impact and continual development.
- Enable innovation and transformation across multi-agency workstreams, ensuring that you support multi agency services to be integrated, sustainable, and future-ready.
- You will engage with children and families to ensure that their voice is front, left and centre of the support that we offer.
- You will contribute to effective workforce planning, and support budget control.
- Through effective management skills, help to create the conditions for transformation. Collaboration with senior leaders, government departments, and community partners to ensure stakeholder buy-in and long-term success is a key element of the role.
- Monitor performance, manage risk, and adapt to policy changes with agility and confidence.
About You
- A proven track record of leading mature early help services to improve wellbeing and reduce the volume of families requiring a social worker.
- Experience of transforming services, at pace to become excellent and shine.
- In depth knowledge of DfE frameworks, Ofsted and HMIP inspection readiness, and regulatory compliance.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to deliver under pressure and within budget.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to instil a robust performance and quality culture.
- A relevant programme management qualification (e.g. MSP) or equivalent experience.
Why Join Us?
- Make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Bradford.
- Shape a relatively new organisation with a fresh vision, strong values, and a commitment to excellence.
- Work with passionate professionals who are dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive leadership team.
List of Benefits:
- Generous employer contributions to the WYPF Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Competitive salary and pay progression structure
- Supportive carer and parental policies
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Access to Occupational Health and confidential counselling services
- Supportive staff networks
- Access to Blue Light Card discounts
- Professional development/support
- Career progression
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement
Next Steps
If you wish to discuss this role further, please contact rosie.mcmenamin@bradfordcft.org.uk Who will arrange a call with SRO: Susan Claydon Assistant Director Early Help & Transformation
Closing Date: 30th June 2025
Interview Date: 9/10th July 2025
Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
If shortlisted, you will be required to complete a criminal disclosure form with details of any criminal history – to be provided at interview.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
