Service Improvement Lead
Service Improvement Lead – Children’s Services
London Local Authority | Interim
A London local authority is seeking an experienced Service Improvement Lead to provide short-term, practice-focused support within Children’s Services during a period of sustained demand.
This role is focused on maintaining grip on practice, supporting consistent decision-making, and strengthening service-level oversight. It is not a transformation or restructure post. The emphasis is on practical improvement, assurance, and working alongside existing leadership arrangements.
You will work closely with senior leaders, Heads of Service, and managers, helping to translate learning from inspection, audit, and review activity into day-to-day practice. The role requires calm judgement, credibility, and the ability to add capacity without creating disruption.
The local authority is looking for someone with strong senior experience within Children’s Services who understands safeguarding practice, thresholds, and risk, and who can operate confidently within a large London system.
Key requirements include:
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Significant experience within local authority Children’s Services
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Strong understanding of safeguarding practice and decision-making
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Credibility to work with DCSs, ADs, and Heads of Service
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A cooperative, grounded approach to service improvement
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Experience working within inspection, assurance, or improvement contexts
Contract details:
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Interim assignment
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Initial 3-6 months, with potential extension
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London-based (hybrid working by agreement)
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Day rate: £550-£700 per day (inside IR35), dependent on experience
This role will suit an experienced Children’s Services professional who is comfortable working at pace, can build trust quickly, and is motivated by strengthening practice and oversight for children and families.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.
