We are looking for a Service Manager to lead our newly created Child Protection and Allegations Management Service. This is a brand-new leadership role, created as part of our response to the national reform of childrens services, offering a unique opportunity to shape and influence practice at a critical time.
As Service Manager, you will:
- Lead our brand new Child Protection Lead Practitioners to transform our child protection practice across Childrens Social Care and inspire meaningful change for the children and families we support.
- Lead the established Allegations Management Officers (LADOs) to carry out the Councils statutory responsibilities (specified in Working Together to Safeguard Children) to ensure robust, coordinated responses to allegations against professionals working with children.
You will also support the development and delivery of wider service priorities.
If you would like to know more, we encourage you to contact Gemma Cross, Strategic Manager or Caley Banks, Strategic Manager to arrange an informal discussion about the role. You can contact Gemma at
[email protected] and Caley at
[email protected]
HOW WILL WE SUPPORT YOU?
We are passionate about social work in County Durham. We are committed to providing a culture where good practice can flourish.
You will be part of an experienced and supportive leadership team, and you will benefit from high quality professional supervision, a great induction, and access to our strong learning and development offer.
You can find out more about social work in Durham here
WHAT WILL I NEED?
To apply for this exciting new post you will need:
- A recognised social work qualification
- Significant experience of working in Childrens Social Care
- Substantial post qualifying experience in management
- Experience of performance management and quality assurance
- Experience of partnership working in the provision of services for children and their families
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
Our commitment to safeguarding
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Childrens Barred List an, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation
SHORTLISTING
Please be aware that we are expecting a high volume of high quality applications for this post so shortlisting may take up to a week after the closing date. Please dont worry if it takes just over a week for us to confirm next steps.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews are expected to be held on 10th July 2026 at Spennymoor Council Offices, DL16 1JQ.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email
[email protected]
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from
[email protected]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you dont miss any updates.
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