Head of Care

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title Head of Care Job Holder

Location Blackburn/Manchester

Reports to Regional Director/Managing Director

Overall Purpose of the Role

As Head of Care, you will lead the childcare team. You will have extensive experience in handling public and private law children matters, an in-depth knowledge of child protection issues, and a passion for advocating on behalf of children and families. As Head of Department, you will provide strategic leadership, manage a team of solicitors and support staff, and handle complex and high profile cases.

Immediate superiors Regional Director/Managing Director Immediate subordinates Childcare Team Principal accountabilities Leadership & Management:
• Provide overall leadership, direction, and management to the Childcare Department.
• Draft, maintain and update department business plan and be involved in budget setting for the department in consultation with the Regional Director/Managing Director.

• Oversee good financial performance in accordance with targets and to proactively manage all aspects of financial performance across the team.

• Develop and implement strategies to grow the department and ensure high standards of service delivery.

• Oversee the training, development, and performance management of solicitors and support staff.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, promoting professional growth and excellence.

• Ensure that the department remains compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. Case Management:

• Manage a caseload of complex and high-profile childcare matters, including care proceedings, adoption, child protection, and private children law cases.

• Represent clients in court and attend case conferences, hearings, and negotiations.

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of childcare law, ensuring that clients are well informed and supported throughout the process.

• Prepare and review legal documents, including care plans, court bundles, and witness statements. Client Relationships & Business Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, including local authorities, guardians, parents, and children.

• Actively participate in business development activities to grow the department's client base, including networking, attending events, and contributing to marketing strategies.

• Liaise with external professionals such as barristers, experts, social workers, and other relevant professionals.

• Ensure exceptional client service standards, responding to queries in a timely and professional manner. Compliance &

Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) standards, data protection laws, and other relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

• Monitor the department's risk management processes, including case risk assessments, conflicts of interest, and safeguarding.

• Ensure accurate and efficient billing and financial management within the department. Strategic Contribution:

• Work closely with senior management to develop long-term strategic goals for the department and contribute to the firm's overall business strategy.

• Stay updated on legislative changes, case law developments, and emerging trends in childcare law, and provide regular training and updates to the team. Job challenges The need to be

• Be self-motivated

• Be able to work to targets and deadlines

• Having the ability to work with others- internal and external

• Able to operate under own initiative Required

Skills and Qualifications
• Qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience (PQE) in childcare law.

• Experience in managing a team or leading a department.

• Proven track record of handling complex and high-value childcare cases.

• Knowledge of both public and private children law, including adoption, guardianship, and child protection.

• Advocacy experience and familiarity with court procedures in family law.

• Membership in the Law Society's Children Law Accreditation Scheme (desirable).

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team.

• Exceptional…