Principal Manager – Children’s Support & Safeguarding Team

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Manager – Children’s Support & Safeguarding Team
Specialism: Children’s Services 
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, UK
Salary: £33.13 (PAYE) / £41.42 (LTD/Umbrella) Per Hour
Type: Temporary / Full Time

We are seeking an experienced Principal Manager to join the Children’s Support & Safeguarding Team based in Stoke-on-Trent. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled manager to lead a locality-based safeguarding service, driving high-quality practice and supporting positive outcomes for children and families. You will play a key leadership role in overseeing service delivery, ensuring effective performance management, and contributing to ongoing service transformation in line with national reforms.

Perks and Benefits

• Leadership opportunity within a well-established Children’s Support & Safeguarding Team.
• Work alongside an experienced management team to deliver high-quality services.
• Contribute to the implementation of the Family First for Children Programme (FFPP) and the development of the Family Help Service.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• Make a meaningful impact on outcomes for children, young people, and families.

What You Will Do

• Lead and manage the Children’s Support & Safeguarding Team, ensuring high standards of practice and performance.
• Oversee Child in Need Plans, Child Protection Plans, Public Law Outline (PLO) work, and initial court proceedings.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to social work practitioners.
• Monitor performance, quality assurance, and statutory compliance across the team.
• Work collaboratively with senior managers and partner agencies to deliver effective services.
• Support service transformation in line with government reforms and the Family Help model.
• Promote child-centered practice and continuous service improvement.

Why Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent offers a rewarding environment for experienced leaders in children’s services, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for children and families. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of a forward-thinking safeguarding service.

Working with Ardent Social

At Ardent Social, we connect experienced social care professionals with outstanding opportunities across the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering a professional, transparent, and supportive recruitment experience tailored to your career aspirations.

Apply today to join the Children’s Support & Safeguarding Team in Stoke-on-Trent and help shape the future of children’s social care.