Principal Social Worker
| Posting date: | 17 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £55,967 to £59,524 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 March 2026 |
| Location: | BA14 8JN |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Wiltshire Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 6519 |
Summary
Wiltshire Council is seeking an inspiring Principal Social Worker (PSW) to lead professional social work practice and drive high standards across Families & Children’s Services. In this pivotal role, you will act as the lead professional for social work, providing expert leadership, modelling excellent practice, and ensuring our workforce is confident, skilled and prepared for inspection. You will work closely with senior leaders, influence strategic direction, and champion the voices of children, families and practitioners at every level.
As PSW you will lead professional standards, workforce development and liaison with Social Work England; strengthen practice quality through Quality Assurance, audits, learning systems and continuous improvement; oversee ASYE, apprenticeships, student placements and CPD pathways; shape practice and policy through strong multi‑agency partnerships; and represent Wiltshire regionally and nationally, contributing to sector‑led improvement.
The successful candidate will bring substantial leadership experience within children’s social care, deep knowledge of statutory social work, and a proven ability to strengthen quality and drive workforce development. Strong communication, innovation and a genuine commitment to championing excellent practice will be essential. A recognised social work qualification and Social Work England registration are essential for this role.
Why us?
Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. That’s why we focus on getting the things that matter to our people right. Explore more benefits here!!
The council is committed to creating an environment of positive working relationships where everyone feels engaged, supported and able to thrive. Our Identity is a framework which sets out how we are all expected to lead, work and act to deliver our services. We will not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect which is underpinned by our vision and Our Identity framework.
For more details, contact Tim Sandle, Head of Service QA Performance and Sector Led Improvement, email or call 01722438918 x58918.
This role may be subject to certain successful security checks; please see the role description for more information.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.
As PSW you will lead professional standards, workforce development and liaison with Social Work England; strengthen practice quality through Quality Assurance, audits, learning systems and continuous improvement; oversee ASYE, apprenticeships, student placements and CPD pathways; shape practice and policy through strong multi‑agency partnerships; and represent Wiltshire regionally and nationally, contributing to sector‑led improvement.
The successful candidate will bring substantial leadership experience within children’s social care, deep knowledge of statutory social work, and a proven ability to strengthen quality and drive workforce development. Strong communication, innovation and a genuine commitment to championing excellent practice will be essential. A recognised social work qualification and Social Work England registration are essential for this role.
Why us?
Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. That’s why we focus on getting the things that matter to our people right. Explore more benefits here!!
The council is committed to creating an environment of positive working relationships where everyone feels engaged, supported and able to thrive. Our Identity is a framework which sets out how we are all expected to lead, work and act to deliver our services. We will not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect which is underpinned by our vision and Our Identity framework.
For more details, contact Tim Sandle, Head of Service QA Performance and Sector Led Improvement, email or call 01722438918 x58918.
This role may be subject to certain successful security checks; please see the role description for more information.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.