Job Description

Overview:

The London Borough of Harrow is looking for a Workforce Development Manager, this is a pivotal, strategic role within the Adult Social Care Division, reporting to the Principal Social Worker. This position is responsible for cultivating a culture of clinical and professional expertise across the directorate, ensuring high-quality social work and professional practice in line with the Council's vision.

The Lead acts as a professional and strategic figurehead, tasked with embedding core practice models--including strengths-based practice and anti-discriminatory principles--throughout all training and quality assurance activities. A deep understanding of relevant legislation and Adult Safeguarding practice is essential.

Crucially, the role involves collaborating with the Quality Board and managers to implement the Quality Assurance Framework, providing advisory and reflective support to ensure practice is compliant and effective. The Lead also plays a vital part in collating learning from serious incidents and Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs) to drive continuous service improvement and uphold the highest professional standards, ultimately ensuring citizens remain safe, their well-being is promoted, and their diverse needs are met by a highly skilled and ethically informed workforce.

The Workforce Development Lead will design, commission, and deliver comprehensive learning and development programs, addressing both statutory requirements and emerging best practice. This includes overseeing the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) program for newly qualified social workers, mentoring practice educators, and developing clear career pathways to foster staff retention and growth. The role requires exceptional communication skills to influence stakeholders at all levels, championing continuous professional development and robust practice standards. This is a critical opportunity to shape the future of Adult Social Care in Harrow, driving excellence and innovation in service delivery and practice development.
About you:
The successful candidate will have:Professional Social Work Qualification and current registration with Social Work England. Expert, detailed understanding of Adult Safeguarding practice, legislation, and research. In-depth knowledge of key legislation, including the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Substantial experience in a strategic, leadership, or professional lead role within an Adult Social Care setting. Ability to act as a professional and strategic figurehead and inspire staff. Proven ability to design, commission, deliver, and evaluate comprehensive workforce development and learning programs. Experience in implementing Quality Assurance Frameworks and working with Quality Boards. Demonstrated ability to collating and apply learning from Serious Incidents and Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs) to drive service improvement. Exceptional knowledge of core practice models, particularly strengths-based practice and anti-discriminatory principles, with experience in embedding them organizationally. Experience with the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) program or Practice Educator roles, demonstrating ability to lead and motivate staff/students within a culture of learning. Highly developed communication and influencing skills to advise and engage a variety of stakeholders. Evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) relevant to social work practice, leadership, and learning/development.


This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Related Documents:

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria