Service Improvement Team Manager

About the job

Key information

• An opportunity to lead and inspire teams
• 30 days’ annual leave, pro rata plus bank holidays
• Excellent opportunities for career progression in Somerset
• Part time 30 hours a week

Please Note: We may consider offering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already residing in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. This is only available to candidates currently living in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide resettlement support.

What will I be doing?

We’re working to improve the lives of children, young people, and their families here in Somerset — and you’ll play a key role in making that happen. In this role, your day-to-day work will include:

• Leading a small, established team to support the implementation of new programmes and initiatives that benefit vulnerable children and help develop and strengthen SEND services.
• Championing a positive learning culture, leading learning reviews, and shaping learning and development activities driven by service improvement priorities.
• Measuring and evaluating the impact of new programmes, initiatives, and ways of working to ensure they deliver real, meaningful outcomes for children and young people.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will be Social Work qualified and registered with Social Work England.

We are seeking someone who is passionate about supporting people on their improvement journey — someone who can confidently overcome barriers and take a strengths‑based approach, offering constructive challenge where appropriate. You will bring excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and influence in a positive, solution‑focused way.

You will have strong organisational and leadership abilities, providing reflective supervision to our Service Improvement Officers and fostering a supportive team culture that strives for the highest standards.

Your substantial knowledge of the legislation and statutory responsibilities underpinning Children’s Services will enable you to interpret, understand, and positively influence service delivery.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

What is in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more…

DBS check

In this role you will require a criminal background check via Disclosure and Barring Service.

Supporting documents and information

The Service Improvement Team are based in Taunton although we are very open to flexible working options. As Taunton is the county town, transport links are great, with easy access to the M5, less than two hours by train to London and 40 minutes’ drive in each direction to Bristol and Exeter.

For an informal chat about the role please contact Jane Sprague via email Jane.Sprague@somerset.gov.uk

Interviews 16 March 2026

Salary £39,958 per annum plus a £4,054 recruitment allowance expiring 31/3/2027.

Apply on the Somerset Council website

Apply now