Our well established client is seeking a experienced Solicitor to join their very busy care team based in Manchester/Blackburn.

As Head of Care, you will lead the childcare team. You will have extensive experience in handling public and private law children matters, an in-depth knowledge of child protection issues, and a passion for advocating on behalf of children and families. As Head of Department, you will provide strategic leadership, manage a team of solicitors and support staff, and handle complex and highprofile cases.

Leadership & Management:

• Provide overall leadership, direction, and management to the Childcare Department.

• Draft, maintain and update department business plan and be involved in budget setting for the department in consultation with the Regional Director/Managing Director.

• Oversee good financial performance in accordance with targets and to proactively manage all aspects of financial performance across the team.

• Develop and implement strategies to grow the department and ensure high standards of service delivery.

• Oversee the training, development, and performance management of solicitors and support staff.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, promoting professional growth and excellence.

• Ensure that the department remains compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Case Management:

• Manage a caseload of complex and high-profile childcare matters, including care proceedings, adoption, child protection, and private children law cases.

• Represent clients in court and attend case conferences, hearings, and negotiations.

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of childcare law, ensuring that clients are well informed and supported throughout the process.

Client Relationships & Business Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, including local authorities, guardians, parents, and children.

• Actively participate in business development activities to grow the department’s client base, including networking, attending events, and contributing to marketing strategies.

• Liaise with external professionals such as barristers, experts, social workers, and other relevant professionals.

• Ensure exceptional client service standards, responding to queries in a timely and professional manner.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) standards, data protection laws, and other relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

• Monitor the department's risk management processes, including case risk assessments, conflicts of interest, and safeguarding.

• Ensure accurate and efficient billing and financial management within the department.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience (PQE) in childcare law.

• Experience in managing a team or leading a department.

• Proven track record of handling complex and high-value childcare cases.

• Knowledge of both public and private children law, including adoption, guardianship, and child protection.

• Advocacy experience and familiarity with court procedures in family law.

• Membership in the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme (desirable).

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team.

• Exceptional client care skills with a compassionate and empathetic approach to sensitive cases.

• High level of attention to detail and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.

• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying informed on childcare law issues.

Package

• Salary depending on experience and qualifications

• 26 days annual leave + Birthday Holiday + Bank Holidays

• Company Pension

• Medicash Heath Plan

• Flexible Working hours/ Working from home available

• Rewarded for efforts with a healthy bonus.

• Encouragement of internal progression

• Encourage internal and external training.

To apply please send your CV as directed

Head of Care jobs

Head of Care Solicitor

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