Head of Quality Assurance and Innovation (Children’s Services)Salary: £75,981 – £86,069Hours: 37 per weekContract: PermanentLocation: Hybrid (with regular presence in Gateshead)About UsAt Gateshead, we believe that “the strength of Gateshead is the people of Gateshead.” Everything we do is driven by our commitment to helping children, young people and families thrive. Our Children’s Services are rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and we are ambitious about striving for excellence as we continue to strengthen practice, culture and outcomes.Our vision is simple: every child should enjoy their childhood and have the opportunity to flourish. Our workforce are passionate, values‑driven and united behind our Thrive agenda, ensuring families remain at the heart of everything we do. As part of our refreshed senior leadership team, you’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment where innovation, learning and improvement are not only encouraged but expected.The OpportunityThis is a newly created and pivotal strategic leadership role at the centre of our improvement and innovation journey.As Head of Quality Assurance and Innovation (Children’s Services) – one of three Heads of Function within the service – you will shape, drive and oversee our approach to quality assurance, performance, practice development and specialist services across early help, family help, social work and wider children’s services.You will provide leadership across key statutory and system functions, including:Quality assurance and performance frameworksInspection preparation and ongoing regulatory readinessIndependent Reviewing Service and LADOPractice Development, Improvement and InnovationWorkforce planning and workforce development, learning and the Social Work AcademyChildren’s participation and engagementDomestic abuse and specialist service deliveryPartnerships and contributing to multi agency safeguarding arrangementsYou will contribute to continued strengthening of an environment in which our practitioners and managers feel supported, valued and equipped to deliver high quality relational practice in order to improve outcomes for children. You will play a key role in shaping our Families First transformation programme; support the evaluation of our test‑and‑learn team, enabling us to understand “what good looks like” using insight, evidence and learning to shape our future practice model as we move forward with wider social care reforms.You will work closely with our newly appointed Service Director and senior leaders across the system to embed a strong culture of continuous learning, relational practice and high expectations. Your leadership will ensure that children’s voices and lived experience remain central to service development, decision‑making and improvement.What You’ll BringWe’re looking for an inspirational and values‑led leader who can inspire confidence, drive improvement and influence practice at every level.You will bring:A professional social work qualification and Social Work England registrationSignificant senior leadership experience in children’s social care/early helpA strong track record in quality assurance, service improvement and regulatory readinessDeep knowledge of safeguarding legislation, social work theory and national policyExperience leading multi‑agency partnerships and complex portfolio areasThe ability to analyse complex information and provide clear strategic insightA collaborative, curious and influential leadership styleCommitment to relational, strengths‑based and trauma‑informed practiceAbove all, you will be passionate about improving outcomes for children and ensuring their voices shape practice, culture and decision‑making.Contact and ApplyIf you are interested in this fantastic opportunity please visit our dedicated campaign site: Head of Quality Assurance and Innovation (Children's Services) - Gateshead CouncilFor an informal confidential discussion, please contact our recruitment partners – The Resourcing Solution:Charlotte Wilkinson on 07483 103301 or email charlotte.wilkinson@northyorks.gov.ukPenny Keatings on 07811 411462 or email Penny.Keatings@northyorks.gov.ukKey DatesClosing date: Sunday 15th March 2026 (midnight)Longlisting: Wednesday 18th March 2026Assessment Event: Friday 27th March 2026 (in person – Gateshead) #J-18808-Ljbffr