Suffolk County Council are looking for a Head of Quality Assurance to join our team. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37 hours per week. Flexible working options are available. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £70,086 - £79,174 per annum (pro rata for part time).

We’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people, learning from what they say, and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things.

As a Head of Quality Assurance with Children and Young People Services (CYP), you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

We are looking for a Head of Quality Assurance to join our Children and Young People Services leadership team, working in close collaboration with all areas of the service and with partners to ensure effective working.

You will be responsible for designing and implementing our Quality Assurance (QA) system. This includes building on our current quality assessment framework to ensure it reaches across the entire system.

What you will do

Collaborate with various departments across the service including SEND, social care, youth justice, fostering, and adoption.
Analyse both qualitative and quantitative data to understand service performance.
Communicate data insights effectively to inform decision-making and service improvements.
Ensure compliance with legislation and statutory guidance across services.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships regionally and nationally.
Lead and support multi-agency audit programmes and joint targeted area inspections.
Provide strategic leadership and vision to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Horizon scan to identify and integrate best practices from other regions and sectors.

What you will need

A degree or equivalent.
Proven experience in designing and implementing QA systems.
Specialist and detailed theoretical knowledge of social work and childcare practice, legislation, policy and research. Including detailed knowledge of related specialist areas e.g., Health, Probation, SEND.
Strong analytical skills to interpret qualitative and quantitative data.
Excellent communication skills to convey data insights and inform decision-making.
Ability to collaborate with various departments and build strategic relationships.
Knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance relevant to the role.
Leadership skills to provide strategic vision and ensure high-quality service delivery.
Good interpersonal, organisational and information management
To be in the office at least 3 days per week.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Quality Assurance and Practice Development Team supports and influences practice across Children and Young People’s Services (CYP). The team promotes best practice within CYP and partner agencies across early help and specialist services. This is achieved through:
Delivering high-quality services to children, young people, and their families within a practice framework that meets required standards.
Conducting regular and robust audit programmes to test and support CYP priorities and plans for improvement.
Identifying areas of strength and challenges through regular performance management.
Ensuring that the QA activities are integrated into practice and policies across all service areas.
Working closely with senior management to model, challenge, and support good practice.
Developing new systems and strategies to continuously improve service delivery.
The team is dynamic and collaborative, working across various services to ensure a cohesive approach to quality assurance. You will be part of a supportive environment that values innovation, strategic thinking, and effective communication.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 24 April 2025

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Head of Quality Assurance ???role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

Suffolk County Council

Latest Leads

Head of Quality Assurance