Head of Berkshire Emergency Duty Service and Out of Hours

Job summary

Are you an inspiring leader with a strong commitment to social care?

Bracknell Forest Councilis looking foran exceptionalpersonto lead theBerkshire Emergency Duty Service across all sixBerkshireunitary authorities.You willlead the coordination and delivery of statutory out-of-hours social careprovidingstrategic oversight, a deep understanding of the varied needs of diverse communities, and the ability to manage complex, high-impact service delivery for awide range ofpeople.

You will also havea track recordof achievement at senior management level and experience of operational services in a large complex social care,healthor other relevant settingwith extensive experience oflegislation, policy and statutory requirements relating to Children, Adults, MentalHealthand Housing.You will need to have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.

Main duties of the job

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Emergency Duty Service (EDS) in fulfilling duties under the Children Act 1989 and associated legislation.
• Provide leadership for Mental Health services for both children and adults, ensuring compliance with the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007) and relevant case law.
• Deliver Adult Social Care services in accordance with the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation.
• Oversee out-of-hours housing and homelessness services as stipulated in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Manage the provision of an out-of-hours Appropriate Adult service for young people and vulnerable adults in police custody.
• Provide expert strategic leadership on statutory functions and professional practice in relation to both vulnerable children and adults.
• Support the transformation of the Emergency Duty Service to deliver improvements and efficiencies.
• Develop and implement strategic and operational plans in collaboration with service colleagues and senior leaders.
• Make independent decisions impacting daily operations and strategic direction.
• Ensure the service is adequately staffed 24/7 and meets all contractual arrangements, regulations and health and safety requirements.
• Successful management of significant organisational change, including culture change, change management programs and project management.

Interviews will be in Bracknell held during week commencing 4 August 2025.

About us

About the team

You will be leading our specialist pan-Berkshire team of Approved Mental Health Professionals, Senior Social Workers (Childrens Services), Adult Safeguarding Care Coordinators and Call Screening Officers. The team collaborate closely with health professionals, the police, and families, providing vital support and intervention for individuals facing social care crises outside regular hours.

This is an exciting time to join the team, because our emergency duty service has recently been recognised as a safe and effective service that safeguards children and vulnerable adults, earning positive feedback from Ofsted and CQC. So if you are looking for an opportunity to work alongside outstanding colleagues, make a tangible difference and drive innovative approaches to social care, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark.

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Hannah Doherty, 01344 354466, Hannah.doherty@bracknell-forest.gov.uk