Practice Lead
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 30 Ebrill 2026 |
|---|---|
| Cyflog: | £48,163 bob blwyddyn |
| Oriau: | Llawn Amser |
| Dyddiad cau: | 06 Mai 2026 |
| Lleoliad: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Cwmni: | Suffolk County Council |
| Math o swydd: | Parhaol |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: | 22633 |
Crynodeb
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Beacon House, Ipswich, IP1 5PB - Hybrid
- Salary: £48,163 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent
We’re committed to making a meaningful difference to people and communities across Suffolk by championing high standards in adult social care.
We do this by listening to our practitioners, learning from lived experience, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration, where everyone plays a part in achieving the best possible outcomes.
As a Practice Lead – Direct Payments in Adult Social Care, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening direct payment practice across Suffolk. You will lead a specialist team, support colleagues across the directorate, and drive continuous improvement to ensure people can access greater choice, control and personalisation in how their care and support needs are met.
If you are passionate about delivering our Direct Payments and Personalisation Strategy, enjoy working collaboratively, and want to make a lasting impact for adults, carers and communities, we would love to hear from you.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
Through our adult social care strategy, People at the Heart of Care, we are in the midst of an exciting transformation of our direct payments offer. Our ambition is to significantly increase the number of people in Suffolk who choose a Direct Payment, enabling more individuals to benefit from increased personalisation, independence and control.
As Practice Lead you will play a central role in making this ambition a reality. You will lead a specialist direct payments team while also influencing and supporting wider practice development across the Adult Social Care directorate, embedding high‑quality, consistent and confident direct payment practice.
You will provide professional leadership, guidance and support to social care practitioners, including the management of the temporary direct payments team, helping to deliver positive outcomes for adults, families and carers through direct payments. You will lead on the development of direct payment support services, working closely with colleagues in Financial Inclusion and Advice Services to respond to complex issues and increase direct payment uptake across the county.
You will work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and communities to ensure services are inclusive, person‑centred and responsive to local needs, while fostering a strong culture of learning, reflection and professional development within your team.
You will be empowered to make a real difference every day, working alongside committed colleagues who share your passion for excellence in adult social care.
You will need
- Substantial experience within adult social care, with a strong track record of leading and developing high‑quality practice.
- Proven ability to provide effective operational leadership to a skilled and high‑profile team, and to influence practice across wider Adult Social Care.
- Excellent communication, coaching and mentoring skills.
- A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Confidence in analysing complex situations and making sound professional decisions.
- Ability to work with a high level of autonomy and self‑direction.
- Competence in using Microsoft Office applications.
- Confidence in presenting clearly and effectively to large groups.
- A recognised Social Work qualification with current Social Work England registration, or a recognised Occupational Therapy qualification with current Health and Care Professions Council registration.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Direct Payment Team is dedicated to ensuring that direct payments are promoted and delivered across Adult Social Care, supporting opportunities to develop the workforce’s understanding and promotion of direct payments to meet eligible care and support needs. Alongside our Financial Inclusion & Advice Service (FIAS), the team play a crucial role in delivering the Direct Payments and Personalisation Strategy, fostering a culture of continuous development, and ensuring that good practice is shared across the directorate. The role will require the Practice Lead to provide leadership and management to a team of Social Workers and Independence and Wellbeing Practitioners, develop policy and practice guidance, and work with partners to implement the changes to Direct Payment Support Services.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Fiona Raffe (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can contact her by calling 01473 263246 or emailing fiona.raffe@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
1. What key skills demonstrate your ability to influence improved direct payments practice across Adult Social Care?
2. Describe a time when you led or influenced change in a pressurised environment. How did you motivate others and what strategies did you use to support practice development?
3. Describe a time when you have influenced changes in policy, culture or practice across a service or organisation. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 11:30pm, 6 May 2026.
This authority 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. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid. #IND1
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- Address: Beacon House, Ipswich, IP1 5PB - Hybrid
- Salary: £48,163 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent
We’re committed to making a meaningful difference to people and communities across Suffolk by championing high standards in adult social care.
We do this by listening to our practitioners, learning from lived experience, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration, where everyone plays a part in achieving the best possible outcomes.
As a Practice Lead – Direct Payments in Adult Social Care, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening direct payment practice across Suffolk. You will lead a specialist team, support colleagues across the directorate, and drive continuous improvement to ensure people can access greater choice, control and personalisation in how their care and support needs are met.
If you are passionate about delivering our Direct Payments and Personalisation Strategy, enjoy working collaboratively, and want to make a lasting impact for adults, carers and communities, we would love to hear from you.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
Through our adult social care strategy, People at the Heart of Care, we are in the midst of an exciting transformation of our direct payments offer. Our ambition is to significantly increase the number of people in Suffolk who choose a Direct Payment, enabling more individuals to benefit from increased personalisation, independence and control.
As Practice Lead you will play a central role in making this ambition a reality. You will lead a specialist direct payments team while also influencing and supporting wider practice development across the Adult Social Care directorate, embedding high‑quality, consistent and confident direct payment practice.
You will provide professional leadership, guidance and support to social care practitioners, including the management of the temporary direct payments team, helping to deliver positive outcomes for adults, families and carers through direct payments. You will lead on the development of direct payment support services, working closely with colleagues in Financial Inclusion and Advice Services to respond to complex issues and increase direct payment uptake across the county.
You will work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and communities to ensure services are inclusive, person‑centred and responsive to local needs, while fostering a strong culture of learning, reflection and professional development within your team.
You will be empowered to make a real difference every day, working alongside committed colleagues who share your passion for excellence in adult social care.
You will need
- Substantial experience within adult social care, with a strong track record of leading and developing high‑quality practice.
- Proven ability to provide effective operational leadership to a skilled and high‑profile team, and to influence practice across wider Adult Social Care.
- Excellent communication, coaching and mentoring skills.
- A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Confidence in analysing complex situations and making sound professional decisions.
- Ability to work with a high level of autonomy and self‑direction.
- Competence in using Microsoft Office applications.
- Confidence in presenting clearly and effectively to large groups.
- A recognised Social Work qualification with current Social Work England registration, or a recognised Occupational Therapy qualification with current Health and Care Professions Council registration.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Direct Payment Team is dedicated to ensuring that direct payments are promoted and delivered across Adult Social Care, supporting opportunities to develop the workforce’s understanding and promotion of direct payments to meet eligible care and support needs. Alongside our Financial Inclusion & Advice Service (FIAS), the team play a crucial role in delivering the Direct Payments and Personalisation Strategy, fostering a culture of continuous development, and ensuring that good practice is shared across the directorate. The role will require the Practice Lead to provide leadership and management to a team of Social Workers and Independence and Wellbeing Practitioners, develop policy and practice guidance, and work with partners to implement the changes to Direct Payment Support Services.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Fiona Raffe (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can contact her by calling 01473 263246 or emailing fiona.raffe@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
1. What key skills demonstrate your ability to influence improved direct payments practice across Adult Social Care?
2. Describe a time when you led or influenced change in a pressurised environment. How did you motivate others and what strategies did you use to support practice development?
3. Describe a time when you have influenced changes in policy, culture or practice across a service or organisation. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 11:30pm, 6 May 2026.
This authority 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. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid. #IND1
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Aelod balch o'r cynllun cyflogwyr Hyderus o ran Anabledd
Hyderus o ran Anabledd
Gwybodaeth am Hyderus o ran Anabledd
Yn gyffredinol, bydd cyflogwr Hyderus o ran Anabledd yn cynnig cyfweliad i unrhyw ymgeisydd sy'n datgan eu bod yn anabl ac yn bodloni'r meini prawf lleiaf ar gyfer y swydd fel y diffinnir gan y cyflogwr. Mae'n bwysig nodi, mewn rhai sefyllfaoedd recriwtio fel nifer fawr o ymgeiswyr, cyfnod tymhorol ac amseroedd prysur iawn, efallai y bydd y cyflogwr am gyfyngu ar y niferoedd cyffredinol o gyfweliadau a gynigir i bobl anabl a phobl nad ydynt yn anabl. Am fwy o fanylion ewch i Hyderus o ran Anabledd.