About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished strategic leader to join our Children’s Services Directorate as our Head of Adopt Thames Valley. Reporting to the Assistant Director Countywide Services, this role provides operational management of Adopt Thames Valley Regional Adoption Agency, to ensure the effective service delivery of high quality and cost-effective adoption services that will focus on achieving excellent outcomes for children, adopters and families across the Thames Valley region. You will be responsible for the development, performance and sustainability of the Regional Adoption Agency and will need to ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory and national minimum standards.

The role requires managing and monitoring significant delegated budgets of up to £5 million, to ensure a successful service delivery, while continuously providing a balanced budget and demonstrating value for money. You will work closely with local authorities and the voluntary sector to maintain and grow these partnerships, while leading the service in line with Oxfordshire County Council’s values, policies and procedures.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic focused leader, who is compassionate about providing measurable outcomes for children and families, to lead a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

About you

We are looking for a strategic leader with management skills in an operational setting, who has proven experience in delivering high quality, cost-effective services, with extensive knowledge of adoption and children’s social care legislation and practice.

You will bring:

• A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and their practical application.
• Knowledge of performance management systems and quality assurance frameworks.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice and service improvement methodologies.
• Extensive knowledge of budget management and financial planning.
• Experience of service development, transformation and partnership working.

What You’ll Be Doing

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the Regional Adoption Agency.
• Lead the strategic development and operational delivery of the Regional Adoption Agency.
• Be accountable for budget setting, monitoring and delivery of a balanced budget
• Provide expert strategic advice on adoption and permanence matters.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with local authorities, voluntary adoption agencies, adopters and adoptees
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, national minimum standards and council policies.
• Ensure equality, diversity and inclusion principles are reflected in recruitment, supervision, management and service delivery.

Rewards and benefits

• Annual leave starting at 30 days (rising with service), plus bank holidays.
• Option to buy additional holiday.
• A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24/7.
• Range of family-friendly policies.
• Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.

Ourcommitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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