Head of Service, Social Work

It’s an exciting time to join Bedford Borough Council’s Children's Services.

We want every child in Bedford Borough to be safe and to achieve their potential. We support families in this aim and where necessary act as a Corporate Parent to promote good outcomes for the more vulnerable children and young people from birth through to their 25th birthday.

We believe that every family can be supported through evidenced-based approaches to build on their own strengths so they can support themselves. We aim to achieve this by providing access to high-quality, evidenced-based interventions which ensure all children, young people and their families get the right support and action at the right time.

We’re a friendly, supportive, passionate team. Our commitment to creating positive outcomes is second to none, our young people actively help shape the service.

What truly sets us apart is our inclusive and supportive culture, where teamwork is celebrated and every voice matters. Our Children’s Services team is known for its welcoming atmosphere and impactful work - staff consistently say how rewarding and fulfilling it is to be part of such a dedicated team.

Following a restructure, we are looking for a suitably qualified and experienced Head of Service to strategically lead and manage the operational delivery of statutory children’s social work services, ensuring that children and young people are safeguarded, their needs are met, and outcomes are improved. You will provide strategic leadership to social work teams, ensuring compliance with legislation, guidance, and best practice, while embedding a culture of high-quality, child-centred practice.

You'll also be an integral part of the senior leadership team, working collaboratively with colleagues across children’s services, the Council, and partners, to drive innovation and service improvement, including budgetary accountability and responsibility.

The successful applicant will have a related degree and/or professional qualification and be registered with Social Work England. They will also have substantial experience working at a senior level with children, young people and their families.

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to crate an account, upload a CV showing you meet the requirements of the role, and answer some application questions.

Closing Date: 15th June 2026

Guaranteed interview schemes

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If successful you will be required to declare any spent & unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not 'protected' as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020)

FTE Salary: £80617 - £92393