Head of Service

Ipswich, United Kingdom | Posted on 05/11/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

12 months contract with a Local Authority

Summary

• This is a 12-month contract role with a Local Authority, offering a pay rate of £56 per hour through an umbrella company. The Head of Service will lead Children's Community Services, including Health Visiting, School Nursing, and the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP), along with related 0–19 services. The role involves ensuring these services are delivered safely, effectively, and to a high standard, while also meeting all legal, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements. The aim is to enhance outcomes for children, young people, and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Children's Community Services to ensure safe and high-quality service delivery.
• Oversee the Healthy Child Programme (0–19) to meet national, local, and commissioned targets.
• Maintain accountability for safeguarding arrangements and ensure compliance with statutory requirements for children and young people.
• Serve as the senior safeguarding lead, offering expert advice and leadership on safeguarding practices.
• Integrate learning from safeguarding reviews, audits, inspections, serious incidents, complaints, and investigations into operational practices.
• Lead safeguarding governance, ensuring effective supervision, audits, policies, training, and quality assurance systems are implemented.

Requirements

• Extensive senior leadership experience in children's services, public health, community health, or integrated care services.
• Proven experience in managing safeguarding arrangements, including complex case management and multi-agency collaboration.
• Experience in leading clinical quality, governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance functions.
• Previous experience as a CQC Registered Manager.

Essential Qualifications

• Registered health professional, such as a Nurse or Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN), with current professional registration.
• Comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding legislation, national guidance, and best practices.
• Strong understanding of the Healthy Child Programme and 0–19 service delivery models.

Additional Information

• Working hours are 30 hours per week, with three days based at Endeavour House and travel expected.
• Face-to-face interviews are preferred.
• An enhanced DBS with a barred list is required.
• A DVLA Web Check will be conducted.
• Payments are made bi-weekly.

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