Continuous Improvement Lead

The Continuous Improvement Lead will work collaboratively across our Children, Education and Families directorate, using learning from quality assurance activity to strengthen and develop all areas of children's services skills, knowledge, and practice to ensure the best outcomes for children. The post holder will be part of the Safeguarding, Quality Assurance, Improvement and Partnerships division. This role is integral to driving continuous service improvement and taking operational responsibility for supporting the service to be prepared for inspections in line with DfE, OFSTED, and HMIP statutory requirements. Across Children's Social Care, Education, and Youth Justice, this role will support the delivery of the quality assurance framework and ensure that learning from quality assurance activities is actioned and embedded into practice. The Continuous Improvement Lead will promote the embedding of relationship-based social work practice principles, systemic approaches, family safeguarding programs, and solution-focused tools. Main duties of the jobFundamentally, you will be a confident practitioner capable of constructively challenging practices, systems, and processes to improve outcomes for children in Oxfordshire. To apply, you will need: A Social Work degree or equivalent, and valid registration with Social Work England. Thorough understanding of quality assurance frameworks and the ability to role model this in practice. Excellent analytical skills to diagnose themes, patterns, and trends and interpret information accurately. Demonstrable experience of evidence-based service improvement. About usThis is an exciting time to join our team as we shape children's services for the future. Our colleagues are helping transform lives across Oxfordshire. In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, we are committed to lasting change by helping children, young people, and families thrive. We value building relationships, empowering individuals, and strengths-based approaches, reflected in our restorative, relational practice. We are expanding our Quality Assurance Division focused on inspection readiness and service improvement to support our continuous improvement journey. Our organization fosters a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusion, where new ideas are encouraged and embraced. About the RoleThe Continuous Improvement Lead will collaborate across the directorate, using learning from quality assurance to develop children's services and ensure best outcomes. The role involves supporting service improvement, inspection readiness, and embedding systemic and relational practice principles into everyday work. About youYou are innovative, courageous, and motivated by making a tangible difference to children and young people. You will embody our values and be confident in challenging practices and systems to improve outcomes. To succeed, you should have: A Social Work degree or equivalent, and registration with Social Work England. Understanding of quality assurance frameworks and their practical application. Strong analytical skills to interpret data and identify themes. Experience in evidence-based service improvement. Please refer to the full job description for a comprehensive list of criteria. Rewards and benefits30 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Flexible working culture and technology support for agile working. Membership of the Local Government pension scheme with up to 19.9% employer contribution. Employee Assistance Programme, health and wellbeing support. Family-friendly policies, childcare vouchers, cycle-to-work, electric car schemes, and staff discounts. Opportunities for professional development and learning. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff, with support networks and initiatives to promote equality. Our commitments include: Guaranteed interview schemes for disabled applicants, care leavers, and those transitioning from military service. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. Flexible working arrangements. Follow us on social media Stay updated with news and job opportunities by following Oxfordshire County Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For technical application issues, contact: Person SpecificationGeneral RequirementsRefer to the detailed job description above. Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis role requires a DBS check due to safeguarding responsibilities.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-08-26