Head of Service – Adult Social Care (Older Adults and Physical Disabilities)

Location: London
Salary: Competitive Senior Leadership Package
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Directorate: Adult Social Care and Health

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to join our Adult Social Care leadership team as Head of Service – Older Adults and Physical Disabilities.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for an ambitious professional who is passionate about delivering outstanding services, driving innovation, and improving outcomes for residents. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across a range of adult social care services, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for older adults and people with physical disabilities.

Working closely with senior leaders, partners, providers, and communities, you will lead transformational change, manage complex service delivery, and ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities while promoting independence, wellbeing, and choice.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for Older Adults and Physical Disabilities services.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, strengths-based and person-centred practice.
• Drive service transformation, innovation, and continuous improvement in line with national policy and local priorities.
• Ensure effective delivery of statutory duties under relevant legislation, including the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Lead performance management, quality assurance, and service improvement activities.
• Manage significant budgets and resources, ensuring financial sustainability and value for money.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with health colleagues, providers, voluntary sector organisations, and wider stakeholders.
• Provide leadership on safeguarding adults, risk management, and quality standards.
• Support workforce development, talent management, and a positive organisational culture.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and recommendations for senior leadership, elected members, and governance boards.

We are looking for a dynamic and credible leader with substantial experience in adult social care and a strong track record of delivering excellent services and transformational change.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience within Adult Social Care or integrated health and care services.
• Extensive knowledge of services for older adults and adults with physical disabilities.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks, including:
  • Care Act 2014
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • Care and Support Statutory Guidance
  • Safeguarding Adults responsibilities
  • Equality and Human Rights legislation
• Demonstrable experience of leading complex operational services and delivering measurable improvements.
• Experience of managing substantial budgets and achieving financial efficiencies while maintaining service quality.
• Excellent partnership-working skills and the ability to influence across organisational boundaries.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

• Professional qualification in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, or a related discipline.
• Registration with the relevant professional body where applicable.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Management or leadership qualification (or equivalent experience).

• A rewarding senior leadership role with significant impact across London communities.
• Opportunities to shape and influence strategic priorities and service development.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing support and assistance programmes.

We are committed to creating inclusive services and an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and are dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

This post is subject to satisfactory references, relevant pre-employment checks, and an enhanced DBS check.

If you are an experienced leader with the vision, expertise, and passion to deliver outstanding outcomes for older adults and people with physical disabilities, we encourage you to apply.