Head of Services

Job Title: Head of Services

Hours: Part-time (24 hours/week)

Salary: Competitive according to experience

Benefits: 26 days annual leave (pro-rata), pension contribution, Time Off In Lieu system, flexible working

Contract: Permanent

How to apply

Please email jobs@cfab.org.uk with your CV and a cover letter outlining why you believe you are a good fit for this role. Interviews will be undertaken on a rolling basis, with a view to appointing a candidate as soon as possible

Overview of CFAB

CFAB supports children on the move between the UK and other countries and children who are separated from their family in another country. The complexities of migration and international separation can make many of these children particularly hard to support and particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. We ensure that children in these circumstances enjoy the same care, protection and right to a family life as we would want for any child.

We are the only UK representative of the International Social Service network, and the only charity in the UK with a dedicated international social work team. We are proud to have royal patronage from HRH, Princess Alexandra.

You will play an important role in our organisation, leading the core of our charitable work and leading positive change as we enter our new Strategic Planning cycle which will bring us to our 75^th anniversary in 2025.

Main Purpose of Role

As the head of all the charity’s operational support services, you will provide dynamic leadership and strategic vision to drive forward our charitable mission and to ensure positive outcomes for children across international borders. You will contribute to our Senior Management team on strategic and operational issues, building a culture of collaboration and positive impact throughout your teams.

Main Duties

1. To take responsibility for developing, monitoring and reviewing effective strategies in our service delivery teams, taking into account internal pressures and the resources available as well as budgetary restrictions and our focus on achieving good outcomes for children

a. Consulting with service teams to design best delivery mechanisms for our Strategic Plan

b. Review of resourcing requirements across service areas and against budgets

c. Liaise with fundraising team to help create case for donors to fund any shortfall in service funding, demonstrating good knowledge of donor-funded projects

d. Generate new ideas for products and services to achieve better outcomes for children with an international factor in their background , pricing services to cover core costs or working with the fundraising team to generate donations for the service

e. Report challenges, opportunities and changing trends to Board Policy & Practice committee, together with the CEO

2. Lead and drive a culture of good performance management within the service, embedding evidence-based practice and ensuring key performance targets are met.

a. Review and monitoring of operational delivery, service standards, key performance indicators, impact measurement and data management across teams

b. Provide good line management of 5 – 7 direct reports, adhering to the charity’s standards on performance management

c. Ensure good technical support is provided to teams across the full range of service areas.

3. Lead and be accountable for performance and financial reporting to ensure that the senior management team has regular and detailed reports on service performance and budget spend.

a. Play an active role in the Senior Management Team, forging strong relationships with senior management peers to facilitate informed discussions and effective decision-making

b. Participate in cash flow forecasts and monthly budget monitoring meetings.

c. Account for under/overspends with relevant stakeholders (senior management team, trustees or external funders)

4. Ensure that quality and consistency of practice, management oversight/grip of practice and continually improving outcomes for children across all services.

a. Quality assurance and coaching of teams to improve outcomes for children

b. Identify and respond to changes to legislation and government policy and adapt CFAB services accordingly, working closely with CFAB’s Policy Manager.

c. Ensure all services are consistent with CFAB guidelines and Social Work England Codes of Practice

d. Working with the CEO, bring relevant issues to the Cross Border Child Safeguarding Working Group, the Public Affairs Advisory Group and through our regular campaigning efforts

5. Lead and ensure the motivation and wellbeing of the workforce, and ensure our employees are supported and developed in accordance with our policies and procedures.

a. Provide regular, high-quality supervision to build confidence

b. Report challenges and opportunities to Board Policy & Practice committee, together with the CEO

c. Work in a non-discriminatory way through recognising and appreciating the differences of others and raising ones awareness through new learning or networking opportunities with organisations that help raise awareness of such issues

6. To be adaptable and willing to take on new roles and responsibilities as the services of CFAB develop in response to the changing needs.

Person Specification

Essential

1. Social work qualified with significant statutory experience.

2. Knowledge and understanding of policy and operational issues confronting the range of disciplines within our operational area.

• Thorough and up to date understanding of social work legislation, statutory obligations and public sector issues which affect the provision and delivery of a quality service.

• Extensive knowledge of the strategic challenges facing local government

• Understanding of social work practice when working with refugees, migrants and children on the move

3. Significant experience at senior management level in a related service area.

• Proven track record of successful and consistent achievement in leadership, delivering sustainable service improvement and excellent results.

• Experience of working effectively in cooperation with a wide range of internal and external bodies, including both statutory and non-statutory organisations.

• Evidence of progressing policy development in employment and service delivery.

• Experience of strategic policy making and implementation at management level.

• Experience of successful development and implementation of strategies, policies and practices that deliver high quality, customer focussed services.

4. Ability to apply innovative thinking and judgement to initiate and manage change in strategic and operational issues to meet targets and desired outcomes

• Ability to operate an effective performance management framework, including service planning, target setting and performance appraisal to drive up standards

• Familiarity with outcome and impact measurement and its use to inform service development and improvement

• Understanding of the wider sector and budgetary context within which service responsibilities are to be fulfilled

• Adaptable management style to lead change successfully

Desired

1. Senior membership of a relevant professional body / a qualification that supports and develops the skills and abilities required for the post.

Additional Requirements

1. Participation in evening and/or weekend events, networking and meetings

2. Ensuring adherence to necessary legislation e.g. Data Protection Act, Health and Safety Act