Head of Service & Chief Social Work Officer

Job Description

Delivery of effective and lasting transformation of health and social care services is central to the vision of West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP). We are seeking someone to join our team at an exciting time of change and transformation for the HSCP.

As part of the shared commitment between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and West Dunbartonshire Council, West Dunbartonshire HSCP provides joint and integrated health and social care services to the local population. The partnership has over 2000 employees providing local primary care, community health and social care services to a population of over 89,000 people to ensure highly effective services that contribute to improving health, care and well-being and to narrow the inequalities gap. At its heart, Integration is about ensuring that those who use health and social care services get the right care and support whatever their needs, at the right time and in the right setting at any point in their care journey.

As a well-established integrated HSCP, West Dunbartonshire is committed to improving the lives of children and adults in the area. We are committed to a programme of improvement to transform services and further develop the important relationships with all of our stakeholders. Transformation is about making significant changes to how services are planned and delivered in partnership with people who use them and above all demonstrates a clear commitment to the West Dunbartonshire HSCP values.

West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership is now looking for an experienced and enthusiastic senior leader with vision and drive to champion our Children’s Health, Care and Justice Services.

You will be committed to integrated working across the Council and NHS and as part of the senior management team you will play a key role in the development and delivery of the partnership’s strategic priorities. You will have a proven record of successful change management and of achieving tangible results through working with and influencing a diverse range of stakeholders. You will possess strong leadership and communication skills.

As Chief Social Work Officer you will be responsible for all statutory requirements associated with this role. The post requires a clear understanding of the health and local authority policy and service agenda in respect of children’s services and systems for child protection.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Beth Culshaw, Chief Officer at Beth.Culshaw@nhs.scot

West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership promotes a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have. Applications are welcome from UK, EEA and non-EEA candidates.

Closing date for returning applications: Sunday 29th March 2026.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 21st April 2026.

Additional Information

Find out more about West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership at www.wdhscp.org.uk

Regardless of nationality the recruitment process for all candidates includes a Right to Work in the UK check.

Requirements

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Children and Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and as such membership with the PVG scheme is essential. Further details of this scheme can be found here.

Preferred applicants will be required to become members of the relevant PVG scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by West Dunbartonshire Council.

 

Responsibilities

The employment for which you are applying is excepted from the provisions of section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order 1975. Applicants are, therefore, not statutorily entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are "spent" under the provisions of the Act. In the event of employment any failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action.

This post is politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The Individual

The successful candidate will benefit from the following:

WDC was voted one of the top ten flexible employers and prides itself in providing flexible working to support work life balance. In addition to this there are also additional benefits:

• Access to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS) with an employer’s contribution of at least 19.3% and all associated benefits
• A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing a day each year up to 35 days as well as 8 fixed public holidays each year
• Access to employee wellbeing supports including occupational health & counselling if ever you need help and support
For information about West Dunbartonshire Council please click on the following link and see why we are an employer of choice: About Us
More information on the benefits of working within West Dunbartonshire Council, can be found using the following link: Benefits of Working with us