Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £111,070
Hours Per Week: 36 hours
Base Location: Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, 0L6 6BH
Assessment Date: Thursday 8th October 2026
This is an exceptional opportunity for an inspirational and strategic leader to join Tameside Council as our Assistant Director of Adult Social Care.
Reporting directly to the Strategic Director of Adults (DASS), you will play a pivotal role in delivering our vision that people are supported to live well at home for as long as possible, leading high-quality, person-centred adult social care services that promote independence, prevention and community resilience.
As a key member of the Adult Services Extended Leadership Team, you will provide visible leadership across Adult Social Care, working with elected members, health partners, providers, communities and wider stakeholders to improve outcomes for adults and carers across the borough.
The Role
We are seeking a highly experienced senior leader who can drive innovation, transformation and continuous improvement across a broad Adult Social Care portfolio.
You will:
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Provide strategic leadership for Adult Social Care, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe and effective services.
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Lead the implementation of the Adult Social Care Strategy, embedding our "Living Well at Home" approach.
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Champion prevention, independence and strengths-based practice.
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Act as a system leader across health and care, working closely with the NHS, Integrated Care Board, Greater Manchester partners, providers and the voluntary and community sector.
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Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and high standards of professional practice.
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Drive performance improvement, service innovation and financial sustainability.
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Promote co-production, ensuring the voices of adults and carers shape service design and delivery.
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Lead and develop high-performing teams that embody Tameside's STRIVE values.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The Assistant Director has leadership responsibility across a wide-ranging Adult Social Care portfolio including:
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Integrated Care and Support Services
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Neighbourhood Teams
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Early Support Advice Hub and Carers Services
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Reablement and Occupational Therapy
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Learning Disabilities, Autism and Mental Health Services
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Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Functions
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Independent Living and Shared Lives
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Safeguarding, Quality and Practice
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Mental Capacity Act Services
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Adult Safeguarding Partnership Arrangements
About You
You will be an accomplished and credible senior leader with significant experience operating within adult social care, health or related public services.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
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A successful track record of strategic leadership in a large and complex organisation.
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Significant experience delivering service transformation and performance improvement.
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Strong understanding of Adult Social Care legislation, policy and best practice, including the Care Act and safeguarding responsibilities.
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Experience of leading through change, inspiring teams and developing organisational capability.
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Strong financial acumen and experience managing substantial budgets.
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Excellent partnership-working skills with experience of working across complex systems and organisational boundaries.
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Political awareness and the ability to work effectively with elected members and senior stakeholders.
A commitment to reducing inequalities, improving outcomes and placing residents at the heart of decision-making.
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About Us
‘’Hello, I’m Joe Kelly, Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Health, and a proud resident of Tameside.
‘’Our vision for adult social care is simple: to support people to live well in the place they call home. That means enabling people to live well and age well, so they can enjoy long, healthy and fulfilled lives in our borough. I’m extremely proud of the way our services work together to support people to live a good life, one where they are able to do the things that truly matter to them.
‘’I believe strongly in authentic and compassionate leadership, and in supporting our workforce to practise in ways that genuinely listen to the people we support. Together, we deliver care that enables people to live their best lives - maximising opportunities, maintaining independence, and helping people stay connected to their communities.
‘’By joining us at Tameside, your voice will be heard. You’ll be part of an ambitious and supportive team that builds on the strengths of our communities and connects social care and health in local neighbourhoods. You’ll be encouraged to develop, reflect and grow in your career, while playing a direct role in shaping how we do things differently and delivering a truly transformative approach to social care.
‘’The people we support are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to an inclusive approach that recognises, values and champions the diversity of our borough, prioritising the strengths of everyone we support.
If this sounds like something you want to be part of, join Team Tameside and make a real difference in our residents’ lives.’’
Assessment Process
Assessment Day: Thursday 8 October 2026, which will consist of three stakeholder panels and a final interview panel as follows:
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Extended Leadership Team/Corporate Leadership Team panel
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Partners panel
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People with lived experience panel.
Following the stakeholder panels there will be a final interview panel with a presentation topic and questions.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures
This is a politically restricted post.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the 'About You' or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship.
We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.
Our rewards and benefits package can be viewed here
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel. Please click here for more information on our guaranteed assessment scheme.
For further details about this role or an informal discussion, please contact Sarah Donlon, Executive Support Officer on 0161 342 4297 or [email protected]
