Assistant Director of Safeguarding and Quality Assurance

Join to apply for the Assistant Director of Safeguarding and Quality Assurance role at Islington Council

About The Role

Are you a visionary leader with a deep commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and families? If so, Islington Council is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the pivotal role of Assistant Director, Safeguarding and Quality Assurance within our Family Help and Safeguarding Service. This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead strategic safeguarding practice across the borough, driving innovation and excellence in service delivery. You will be at the forefront of leading our safeguarding and quality assurance service to deliver an outstanding service to children and families. You will be part of a dynamic senior leadership team, working to shape and drive Islington into delivering on Reform changes and the Family’s First Partnership programme. Relationship-based, trauma-informed approach underpins everything we do to support children and families. We are looking for a leader who is trauma informed and can provide relationship-based practice across Family Help and Safeguarding.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic leadership for safeguarding, child protection, and Looked After Children services, including leading the Workforce Development and exploitation and missing children’s service.
• Champion quality assurance and lead the development of practice across the workforce, including leading on inspections and strategic focus areas related to safeguarding children in care, children supported by a child protection plan, and the workforce.
• Ensure feedback from children, families, and partners informs service planning and delivery.
• Drive workforce development and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaborate across council services and with external partners to deliver integrated safeguarding solutions.
• Prepare the service for Ofsted and other external inspections.
• Act as a key conduit between the council and partner agencies, fostering a collaborative and resolution-focused approach.

Who We’re Looking For

• A qualified social work background with current registration.
• Significant experience in statutory child protection and leadership.
• A strong track record in driving practice improvement and managing change.
• Deep knowledge of safeguarding legislation, procedures, and best practice.
• A commitment to embedding EDI principles in everything you do.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and partnership-building skills.

Why Join Us

At Islington, we are proud of our inclusive, forward-thinking social care services. We are deeply committed to improving outcomes for our most vulnerable children and families. Our team is passionate, skilled, and dedicated to relationship-based practice. As Assistant Director, you will have the opportunity to lead a high-performing service and make a lasting impact. We value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Deborah Idris, Director of Family Help and Safeguarding. [email@example.com]

About You

Islington is a diverse place with a clear sense of purpose: we serve. We are committed to challenging inequality and to looking after our people, as part of our CARE values: Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, and Empowering. Our offer includes:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• Flexible working arrangements and a 35-hour week
• Learning and development opportunities
• Competitive pay and London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees in the redeployment pool must meet essential criteria for shortlisting.

Safeguarding

Islington Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post may require DBS checks and relevant registrations, qualifications checks, and references.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments during recruitment and employment.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Quality Assurance

Industries

• Government Administration