Service Manager

Position: Service Manager (Higher)
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Service Manager - Quality Assurance to join Swindon Borough Council on an initial 3-month interim contract, with the potential for extension. This role will play a critical part in strengthening quality assurance activity across Children’s Social Care and supporting the service in preparation for Ofsted inspection and monitoring visits. Mainly a remote role This is an excellent opportunity for a senior professional with strong quality assurance, audit, and practice improvement experience to make a meaningful impact within a local authority setting.

Location:

Civic Campus, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JG
(Hybrid Working)

Contract:

12 weeks (potential extension)

Start Date:

9 February 2026

Hours:

37 hours per week Working Pattern:
Hybrid working IR35 Status:
Inside IR35 Rate: £50 per hour (Ltd/Umbrella)

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and oversee quality assurance activity across Children’s Social Care Manage and deliver monthly practice audits and thematic audits Analyse audit findings to identify key themes, risks, and learning Facilitate learning forums and “closing the loop” activity to ensure learning is embedded into practice Drive practice improvement across services in line with audit outcomes and inspection feedback Provide key support in preparation for Ofsted inspections and monitoring visits Work collaboratively with senior leaders and operational teams to improve service quality Contribute additional capacity to the wider Quality Assurance and Review Service to support improvement priorities Requirements:
Significant experience in a quality assurance, audit, or practice improvement role within Children’s Social Care Strong understanding of Ofsted frameworks and local authority inspection requirements Proven ability to analyse practice, identify learning, and influence improvement Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills Experience working at Service Manager or equivalent senior level within a local authority setting