Development and Improvement Manager

We're looking for a Development and Improvement Manager (Children's) to fill a newly created post, Interested?

We believe in putting people at the heart of everything we do and to make Gateshead a place where everyone Thrives. We want it to be a great borough, with vibrant Communities, where businesses can grow, residents feel supported and live fulfilled lives.

Our vision for children and families, regardless of their background, is at the heart of everything we do - ensuring all children can thrive and meet their full potential.

With a newly appointed Chief Executive and having been awarded a "One to Watch" accreditation by Best Companies following our 2024 Employee Engagement Survey, it's an exciting time to be joining Gateshead Council.

So, if you care about "doing the right thing" and want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Then keep reading as you're just what we're looking for!

The team…

Service Development and Improvement, sits within the Commissioning, Performance and Service Development Service and forms part of our Integrated Adults and Social Care Directorate. Following a review of the needs of the service, we are expanding the existing team with new posts to cover designated functions across Children's Social Care and Lifelong Learning, specific to sufficiency and commissioning priorities.

So, if you are passionate about service development and delivering the best outcomes for children and young people we would love to hear from you.

About the role….

Working closely with senior managers, you will support the delivery of our Service Improvement Plans for Children's Social Care and Lifelong Learning, which includes preparation for Inspection and supporting the implementation of key improvements recommendations and programmes of development and change.

A key requirement of this role is that you have a strong understanding of whole system approaches to development and Improvement and an awareness of latest local government thinking in this regard. With excellent project management skills, you can problem solve, challenge the status quo and work flexibly and imaginatively to develop creative and practical solutions.

Recognising the importance of coproduction, you must be able to communicate well and able to develop key relationships with internal and external partners and members of local communities.

People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.

So are you ready to make a difference and join our team!

A bit about Gateshead Council…

We're truly committed to providing our residents with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver on this commitment. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

What's in it for you? Well, there's so much on offer and here's just a few of the highlights!

You'll be paid a competitive salary of £42,403 - £45,441
You can save for your future by enrolling in our generous pension scheme
You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership to GO Gateshead Leisure Services and ability to use our cycle to work scheme
We'll give you access to a Co Wheels vehicle for work use, saving your petrol costs and wear to your vehicle
A generous annual leave package of 28 days, increasing to 32 days following 5 years' service. You can also purchase up to 10 days extra leave via our Annual Leave Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
We'll give you the chance to take advantage of various staff offers and discounts on shopping and household spend.
Access to generous flexi time system with the opportunity to take 2 flexi days per 4-week flexi period, depending on the needs of the service.
We offer hybrid working, allowing colleagues to work remotely where appropriate if they wish to do so
A robust Workforce Development offer with loads of opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council offers the chance to progress in a variety of roles across the service. Our colleagues had this to say:

"Gateshead Council are very, very good at encouraging staff to progress in their careers, and to believe in the staff and believe in themselves" - David

"I think there is a real ethos of growing your own and making sure that staff are rewarded for their efforts and feel that they can do jobs." - Angela

It's time to apply!

We're delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this link Job Profile. It's important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we'll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.