Practice Improvement Lead

Location:

Penrith/Kendal/Barrow – with regular presence required in Barrow

Contract Type: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to developing a skilled, confident and sustainable social work workforce. As part of our continued investment in the Social Work Academy, we are seeking a Practice Improvement Leadto provide dedicated support to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) through their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment and social work students, with a particular focus on strengthening our workforce in Barrow in Furness.

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic social work professional who is passionate about workforce development and supporting others to succeed.

You will:

• Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Have substantial post-qualifying experience within children's social care.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of social work practice, professional standards and workforce development.
• Have experience of supporting, coaching, mentoring or supervising social workers and/or students.
• Be able to build effective working relationships across teams and services.
• Be committed to developing the next generation of social workers.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the recruitment, development and retention of our future social workers and a unique chance to help shape the future social work workforce within Westmorland and Furness.

Closing date: 16th November 2026

Interview date: 26th November 2026