Executive Director Standards

Social Work England will be the new, bespoke and specialist regulator for social workers. It will regulate a profession which delivers vital, often life changing, services within every community. Social Work England’s primary objective is the protection of the public. It will achieve this through setting standards for social workers and providing assurance that those registered meets the standards, are qualified and remain fit to practice. The credibility and impact of the regulator will depend on its ability to deliver its core regulatory functions effectively and efficiently and this will be driven by exceptional leaders and diverse professional teams.

The organisation is at a critical stage in its development, with a new Chair and Board, Chief Executive and four Executive Directors now in post. This position is the last of the five senior leadership roles we are seeking to appoint to as part of the next important phase in building the organisation. Together with the other four Executive leaders, our new Executive Director of Standards will contribute to shaping, developing and implementing a modern, responsive, efficient and outcomes focused social work regulator.

The post holder will bring innovation and vision to the role, together with a successful and strong track record gained at a senior level in a relevant environment, such as a standards, improvement, regulation, professional education, charity or social work organisation. You will have reviewed and developed evidence-based standards, led and developed high-performing teams, delivered high quality, performance driven outcomes and improved processes and systems at a national or regional level.   

This is a significant and influential position and you will bring outstanding interpersonal skills, together with the credibility, personal presence and influence to engage effectively with our many and varied stakeholders and play a key ambassadorial role. With the ability to build and develop high performing teams, you will demonstrate the intellect, vision, credibility and determination to get things done. You will help shape, build and lead this new organisation and make a positive contribution to our work, to promote the future positioning of Social Work England as a leading and highly respected regulator. 

Very rarely is there a job opportunity like this - to be part of a senior leadership team at the very start of a new organisation. Your contribution will impact directly on the shape of the regulator, its standards, its strategic direction and the way it delivers its work. Furthermore, this position will offer the chance to influence the future and standing of the profession, ensure effective public protection and directly inform the future of social work regulation in England.