About

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Riverside, Lowestoft NR33 0EQ - Hybrid working (minimum two days in the office pro rata)
• Salary: £48,163 - £58,850 per annum, pro rata for part time
• Hours: 24 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Reimagine the possibilities.
• We’re committed to making a meaningful difference to people and communities across Suffolk by championing high standards in social care. We achieve this by listening to our practitioners, learning from their experiences, and fostering a culture of mutual respect where everyone works together to achieve the best outcomes. As a Practice Lead in the Quality Assurance and Practice Development Team based in the Waveney area, you will play a key role in shaping practice, supporting colleagues, and driving continuous improvement. You will also lead and coordinate our practice audit programme. If you’re passionate about collaboration and want to help build a brighter future for adults, carers, and communities, connect with us and take the next step in your career.
• Your role and responsibilities

As a Practice Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting high-quality social care practice across the Waveney Locality. You will

• Provide professional leadership, support, and guidance to social care practitioners, helping them deliver outstanding outcomes for adults, families, and carers.
• Champion evidence-based practice, continuous improvement, and innovation in service delivery.
• Lead on quality assurance activities, including audits, reflective practice, and learning reviews. You will have a dedicated role in leading and coordinating the Adult Social Care Audit Programme, including the production of reports and dissemination of findings and recommendations.
• Work closely with colleagues, partners, and the community to ensure our services are inclusive, person-centred, and responsive to local needs.
• Support the preparation for CQC Local Authority Assurance and contribute to the development of policies and procedures.
• Foster a culture of learning, reflection, and professional development within your team.
• You will be empowered to make a real difference every day, working alongside passionate colleagues who share your commitment to excellence.
• You will need
• Substantial experience in adult social care, with a strong track record of leading and developing practice.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• A commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
• The ability to analyse complex situations, make sound decisions, and inspire confidence in others.
• The ability to work with a high level of autonomy and self-direction.
• Excellent IT skills across various Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to present to large groups of people with confidence and clarity.
• A recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England, or a recognised Occupational Therapy qualification and current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• 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 Quality Assurance & Practice Development (QAPD) team is dedicated to championing excellent social care practice and improving lives across Suffolk.
• We fulfil our purpose by working alongside practitioners, operational teams, and partners to drive continuous improvement and ensure the highest quality support for adults, carers, and communities.
• Our motivation comes from seeing the positive difference our work makes, whether through supportive audits, learning reviews, or enabling colleagues to develop their skills and confidence.
• We are proud to be part of a team that values evidence-informed practice, celebrates achievements, and puts people at the heart of everything we do.
• Our culture is built on trust, openness, and a genuine commitment to learning. We thrive on collaboration, sharing ideas, and supporting each other.
• Reflective sessions, team development days, and informal check-ins help us stay connected and inspired.
• Being part of QAPD is truly rewarding, offering opportunities for professional growth, camaraderie, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on practice and on people’s lives and experiences every day.
• 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 Amanda Takavarasha (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 01473 264586 or emailing amanda.takavarasha@suffolk.gov.uk.
• How to apply
• Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).[HR will add link to JPP],
• 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.
• Describe your experience with quality assurance systems in social care. How have you contributed to maintaining or improving quality standards?
• Can you provide an example of when you offered professional advice or expert guidance to colleagues? What impact did your input have?
• How do you keep up to date with research findings and best practice in your field? Can you share an example of how you have applied this knowledge
• 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?
• Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
• We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
• Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
• Closing date: 11.30pm, 29th January 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

• 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).