Overview

Head of Practice roles are being recruited in several locations to join Cafcass's senior leadership team across multiple service areas nationally. You will work closely with the Assistant Director to help fulfil Cafcass's strategic ambition for children: exceptional experiences, for every child, everywhere and every time.

Areas within the service area and offices include: South Yorkshire and Humberside (Sheffield and Hull); Cornwall, Devon and Somerset (Exeter and Plymouth); Cheshire and Merseyside (Liverpool); Coventry, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire (Coventry); Sussex and Surrey (Brighton).

Within your application you can indicate which area(s) you wish to be considered for.

What the role involves

As a Head of Practice, you will draw on your professional Social Work experience to lead and inspire others to deliver high-quality services and practice. You will set high standards and provide strong support so Service Managers can enable Family Court Advisers, who engage directly with children and families, to deliver exceptional experiences. You will lead on internal practice improvement and influence local delivery partners, working on a mix of strategic and operational matters. You will ensure Cafcass priorities, policies and plans are delivered to a high standard, contributing to positive outcomes for children and young people going through care proceedings, adoption and parental separation.

Further details about responsibilities are in the job description.

What we’re looking for

We seek a highly effective Leader who can guide, influence and inspire others to fulfill responsibilities and identify opportunities for professional improvement. You will drive quality of practice and service delivery across the operational area, supporting Service Managers to embed strong performance management behaviours and processes. The person specification is included in the job description.

Additional information

• Remote work is possible some of the time, with some national travel likely due to senior leadership responsibilities.
• A regular, visible office presence is expected to model the value of staff using office spaces for connection and collaboration.
• We are a diverse, inclusive organisation and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to reflect the communities we serve.
• Extensive wellbeing support and excellent benefits are provided. Further information is available on the Cafcass website under Working for us.
• Pre-employment checks, including DBS, will be conducted for successful applicants. A declared criminal offence will be considered on a case-by-case basis in line with our DBS policy.

Next steps and timelines

If you apply, the process is straightforward and can be completed in steps. You can start the application and return later to amend responses or update your CV before the closing date. Closing date: Not Yet Published. Panel interviews are planned between 6-17 October, subject to change. If you need more information, contact the relevant Assistant Director listed in the job posting.

Service area and Assistant Director contact mappings are anticipated as follows: South Yorkshire and Humberside – Mairead Morgan; Cornwall, Devon and Somerset – Gentian Dyer; Cheshire and Merseyside – Michelle Evans; Coventry, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire – Michelle Hulme; Sussex and Surrey – Michael Kemp.

We look forward to hearing from you. The offer and pre-employment checks process will be outlined during the application. You may highlight any concerns or questions as part of your application. Details will be shared only with those involved in the selection process.

Finally, successful applicants will be subject to pre-engagement checks, including a DBS check. For more information, review Cafcass DBS policy.

Seniority

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales

Industries

• Civic and Social Organizations