What Jobs are available for Organizations in the United Kingdom?

Programme Director - Cheshire & Merseyside Association of Directors of Adult Social Services

PMG 5 / SCP 366 – 369

£87,117 - £93,978 per annum

Do you want to play a fundamental role in the transformation and improvement of Adult Social Care and integrated health and social care across nine Local Authorities?

Can you lead and champion transformational change, bring forward opportunities for change, and promote innovative thinking & evidence-based decision making?

Then this could be the role for you – leading the programme team and working closely with the Directors of Adult Social Services to bring a high level of creativity and enthusiasm. You will be unwavering in the pursuit of our ambitious goals for health and social care improvement.

As the Programme Director for Cheshire & Merseyside Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, you will work with a broad variety of stakeholders to ensure the nine directors are actively planning for changes, including policy direction and incoming legislation.

The role will be hosted by Knowsley Council. As Council of the Year 2024, Knowsley has been widely recognised as an exemplary local authority with a stable financial grounding and a focused and driven ambition for the future. We offer our staff a supportive, values-led working environment, where integrity, accountability, communication, respect and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. You will have access to a wide range of benefits, including investment in your development, hybrid working, free car parking and flexible working.

Say Yes to Knowsley

If you are interested in this vacancy, apply online here CVP 0464

Interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 4th December 2025.

• Provide strategic leadership and operational management for all social work teams and services.
• Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures to ensure effective and ethical service delivery.
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, professional development, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and standards.
• Foster strong relationships with partner agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
• Champion a person-centred approach to care, promoting the rights and dignity of service users.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and outcomes.
• Respond to complex cases and provide expert advice and support to social work staff.
• Represent the organisation in relevant forums and committees.

• Recognised professional qualification in Social Work (e.g., BA/BSc/MA/MSc in Social Work) and current registration with the relevant professional body (e.g., Social Work England, Scottish Social Services Council).
• Significant post-qualifying experience in social work, with substantial experience in a leadership or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of social care legislation, policy, and best practices in the UK.
• Proven ability to manage complex budgets and resources effectively.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Demonstrated experience in managing change and driving service improvement.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk.
• A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle may be required for some duties.

• Lead, manage, and motivate a team of social care workers, providing guidance, support, and supervision.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of client needs, including physical, emotional, social, and practical support requirements.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review personalized care plans in collaboration with clients, families, and relevant professionals.
• Ensure the highest standards of care are maintained, adhering to regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
• Provide direct care and support to clients as needed, demonstrating empathy and respect.
• Manage team rotas, resource allocation, and operational workflows to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Act as a liaison between clients, families, health and social care professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Address and resolve client and staff concerns or complaints in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of client assessments, care plans, and service delivery.
• Contribute to the recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development of the care team.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence within the team.

• A relevant qualification in Health and Social Care (e.g., NVQ/QCF Level 3 or 4 in Health and Social Care, Diploma in Social Work).
• Significant experience (minimum 3-5 years) working in adult social care, with proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Thorough understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures governing social care in the UK.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and listening skills.
• Strong assessment, care planning, and risk management skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and IT systems relevant to social care.
• A compassionate, patient, and person-centred approach to care delivery.
• Full UK driving licence is desirable.

• Undertake complex assessments of children and families' needs, including risk assessments.
• Develop, implement, and review effective care plans in collaboration with families and relevant agencies.
• Provide direct support and intervention to children and families, addressing identified needs.
• Manage a caseload of complex cases, ensuring timely and high-quality service delivery.
• Offer guidance, supervision, and mentorship to junior social workers and support staff.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures within the team.
• Represent the service in various forums, including case conferences and court proceedings.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies, such as schools, health services, and police.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
• Participate in regular supervision and professional development activities.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and families' needs.
• Develop, implement, and review care plans to ensure child safety and well-being.
• Undertake complex casework, including child protection investigations and court proceedings.
• Provide supervision and mentorship to junior social workers.
• Liaise and collaborate effectively with partner agencies (e.g., health, education, police).
• Prepare high-quality reports for internal reviews and court purposes.
• Engage therapeutically with children and families to build trust and facilitate change.
• Manage a caseload of complex and high-risk cases.
• Champion the rights and needs of children within the statutory framework.
• Participate in continuous professional development and training.

• Qualified Social Worker with a relevant degree (e.g., BA/BSc in Social Work).
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care.
• Proven experience in child protection, looked-after children, or family support services.
• In-depth knowledge of children's social care legislation and policy.
• Excellent assessment, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle is often required.

• Manage a complex caseload of children and families requiring statutory intervention.
• Conduct thorough assessments of need, risk, and safeguarding concerns.
• Develop, implement, and review effective care plans in collaboration with families and professionals.
• Supervise, mentor, and support a team of social workers, fostering professional development.
• Liaise effectively with partner agencies, including schools, health services, and the police.
• Represent the service in court proceedings, preparing high-quality reports and evidence.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of service improvements.
• Undertake child protection investigations and chair case conferences.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of children and young people.

• DipSW or equivalent social work qualification.
• Registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC).
• Significant post-qualifying experience in Children's Services.
• Proven experience in safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience of supervision and mentoring junior staff.
• Excellent assessment, planning, and review skills.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and case law.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills, including court reports.
• Ability to work effectively within a multi-agency framework.
• Driving license and access to a vehicle are essential.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and family needs.
• Develop and implement effective care and protection plans.
• Undertake statutory social work duties, including investigations and court appearances.
• Provide case management and support to vulnerable children and families.
• Collaborate with multi-agency partners to ensure coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records using digital systems.
• Offer guidance and mentorship to junior social work staff.

• Degree in Social Work (e.g., BA, BSc) or equivalent qualification.
• Registered Social Worker with the relevant professional body (e.g., Social Work England).
• Minimum 5 years of post-qualifying experience in children's services or a related field.
• Thorough knowledge of child protection legislation and safeguarding procedures.
• Proven experience in managing complex and high-risk cases.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and IT skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and effectively in a remote environment.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children's needs, identifying risks and formulating support plans.
• Manage a caseload of complex cases, providing regular support, guidance, and intervention.
• Work collaboratively with families, schools, health services, and other agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to child welfare.
• Prepare high-quality reports for court proceedings, case conferences, and other professional meetings.
• Develop and implement care plans, ensuring they are tailored to the individual needs of the child.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of children, ensuring their voices are heard.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic records in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
• Respond to safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action to protect children.
• Build and maintain effective professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Recognised Social Work qualification (e.g., BA/BSc in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW).
• Current registration with Social Work England or equivalent professional body.
• Significant experience working in children's services, with a strong understanding of relevant legislation and frameworks.
• Proven ability to conduct effective assessments and develop robust support plans.
• Excellent report-writing skills and experience in court work.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage a caseload effectively in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in using social care IT systems and virtual communication platforms.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• A DBS check (enhanced) will be required.