Children's Homes Workforce Development Lead

Job description

Job description

Permanent

Full Time 37 hours per week

Be part of something exciting — help grow the workforce shaping the future of children's residential care in Devon

We're looking for a creative, curious and people-focused Children's Homes Workforce Development Lead to help us build a confident, skilled and sustainable residential childcare workforce across Devon. This is a brilliant opportunity to shape how people are welcomed, supported and developed across Devon's Internal Children's Homes, the Growing Futures Strategic Partnership with Catch-22 and St Christopher's, and the redevelopment of Atkinson Secure Children's Home.

At its heart, this role is about helping people feel confident, valued and ready to do their best work — so they can provide brilliant care for Devon's children and young people.

You'll be at the centre of developing the people, skills and pathways that make high-quality children's residential care possible — from great induction and learning through to progression, leadership development and long-term workforce planning.

Leading workforce development

You'll lead a joined-up workforce development strategy for around 300 residential care staff, working with Children's Services, People & Culture, operational teams and external partners. You'll strengthen induction and learning, create clearer career pathways and use workforce insight to support progression, retention, wellbeing and future workforce needs.

You'll also build partnerships with education, training, employment and community organisations, while embedding trauma-informed, therapeutic and restorative practice across workforce development to support high-quality care and better outcomes for children and young people.

Who we're looking for

There's no single route into this role, and that's part of what makes it exciting. You might come from workforce development, learning and development, organisational development, HR, talent management, education, service improvement or practice development. What matters most is that you can understand workforce challenges, bring fresh ideas, and turn them into practical solutions that people can get behind.

You'll bring strong project management and analytical skills, along with the confidence to work with senior leaders and partners. Just as importantly, you'll bring a creative, people-focused approach to learning, workforce planning and career development. Experience in children's social care, residential care, education, health or a related sector would be valuable, and experience of apprenticeships, Ofsted or quality improvement would also be helpful.

You'll need a degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant professional qualification, alongside evidence of continuing professional development.

Why this role?

This is a chance to make a real difference to the people who care for Devon's children and young people every day. You'll help shape a joined-up approach to induction, development, progression and leadership, creating the conditions for staff to feel supported, inspired and able to build rewarding long-term careers in children's residential care.

Our offer to you

Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.

In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme - available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.

For an informal discussion please contact Sarah Collard-Baker on 01392 383000

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages .
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council's use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice .
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page .
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.