LB
Head of Service Placement Sufficiency (Internal candidates only, Fixed term 12 months)
full-time•London
About this role
This position is open to internal candidates only. Any applications received from external candidates will not be considered and will be automatically rejected.
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. As an organisation, our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.
About Family Services
The aim of the Family Service is to ensure that all children and young people in Barnet achieve the best possible outcomes and to enable them to become successful adults, especially our most vulnerable children. They should be supported by high quality, integrated and inclusive services that identify additional support needs early, are accessible, responsive and affordable for the individual child and their family.
Placement sufficiency is a Corporate Parenting priority to ensure children who are not able to live with their families are able to reside in a care arrangement that meets their needs, provides an effective support network and provides good value for money. For Barnet financial efficiency is crucial to developing effective services for children and families and strong commissioning arrangements is part of our strong financial planning.
About the role
The Head of Placement Sufficiency is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring that the local authority can meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient, suitable placements for children and young people in care.
This position will be responsible for the council’s approach to placement sufficiency, ensuring a balance between quality, availability, and cost-effectiveness. The post holder will oversee forecasting and demand analysis to anticipate future needs, working closely with commissioning teams, social work services, and external providers to create a diverse and resilient placement market.
The role requires the post holder to drive innovation in placement solutions, including fostering, residential care, supported accommodation, and specialist provision, while promoting stability and positive outcomes for children. The Head of Placement Sufficiency will lead market engagement, negotiate with providers, and monitor performance to ensure placements meet regulatory standards and deliver value for money. They will also champion collaborative working across regional partnerships, influence policy development, and ensure compliance with statutory guidance and best practice.
Please click here to download the Job description for this role. (Right-click and select “Open in new tab” so you can keep the job description open while completing your application)
About you
You will have an excellent knowledge of the relevant legislative frameworks, government guidance, and policies relating to children’s social care. You will have experience of leading a team and of working in brokerage and commissioning, as well as a strong understanding of the financial challenges facing children’s social care.
You will be a leader who is able to develop and implement long-term strategies for placement sufficiency, balancing quality, cost and availability. Your application should be able to demonstrate your proven track record in delivering transformation projects, ideally in social care.
Evidence of a UK recognised social work qualification is desirable but not essential.
What we offer
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
- Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Employee well- being training programs including confidential employee assistance
How to apply
Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact [email protected]
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures, this may include AI Detection Screening, Biometric ID/Right to Work Checks, Qualification and Registration Checks, Up to 6 years of Employment Data and Insights to Accelerate Screening (Konfir), Up to 5 years of Employment History References, DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Checks, Credit Checks and Social Media, Sanctions and Occupational Health Screening.
To deliver Barnet Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time, compressed hours, and hybrid working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.
Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.
Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.
Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regretfully in this instance, you have not been shortlisted.
What you'll do
- The Head of Placement Sufficiency is responsible for ensuring the local authority meets its statutory duty to provide sufficient placements for children in care. This includes overseeing forecasting, demand analysis, and driving innovation in placement solutions.
About London Borough of Barnet
Barnet is the largest London borough by population, with 349,500 residents living within 86.74 square kilometres.
Ready to join London Borough of Barnet?
Take the next step in your career journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Head of Service Placement Sufficiency (Internal candidates only, Fixed term 12 months) do at London Borough of Barnet?
As a Head of Service Placement Sufficiency (Internal candidates only, Fixed term 12 months) at London Borough of Barnet, you will: the Head of Placement Sufficiency is responsible for ensuring the local authority meets its statutory duty to provide sufficient placements for children in care. This includes overseeing forecasting, demand analysis, and driving innovation in placement solutions..
Is the Head of Service Placement Sufficiency (Internal candidates only, Fixed term 12 months) position at London Borough of Barnet remote?
The Head of Service Placement Sufficiency (Internal candidates only, Fixed term 12 months) position at London Borough of Barnet is based in London, United Kingdom. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Head of Service Placement Sufficiency (Internal candidates only, Fixed term 12 months) position at London Borough of Barnet?
You can apply for the Head of Service Placement Sufficiency (Internal candidates only, Fixed term 12 months) position at London Borough of Barnet directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.