Job Description

The Role

Do you have experience in adult social care and leading high-impact service improvements?

Are you passionate about using research, policy, and strategy to drive better outcomes for vulnerable adults?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!



Our

Performance, Development and Quality (PDQ) Team

is looking for a dedicated and experienced

Senior Policy and Strategy Lead

to join us and help shape the future of Adult Social Care in Southwark.

About the Role:

As Senior Policy and Strategy Lead, you'll play a central role in driving service improvement and innovation across Adult Social Care. You will:


Lead and manage strategic projects, research, and policy development to improve services and outcomes. Provide expert advice and intelligence to senior managers and council leaders to ensure services remain compliant and future-focused. Support and embed policy changes across operational teams through clear communication and implementation planning. Proactively research and share best practice to ensure Southwark remains at the forefront of adult social care policy and delivery. Deputise for the Service Manager (PDQ) when required and manage a small team to deliver high-quality project outcomes.

About You:

We're looking for someone with:


Significant experience in adult social care policy, strategy, or service development. Proven ability to deliver complex projects and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong political awareness and the ability to translate national policy into local action. Excellent communication skills, able to explain complex issues to a wide range of audiences. Experience of leading, motivating, and supporting staff. Strong IT and project management skills to support evidence-based decision-making.

Recruitment timetable

Advert close date: 11:59pm on 14th September 2025



Shortlisting date/s: w/c 15th September 2025



Interview date/s: 25th September 2025

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:


Members of the Armed Forces and veterans Are currently in care, or have previously been in care If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition



We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our

Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Job Reference: SC07664