Change Lead - Mental Health, Learning Disability, and DOLS service (Gr L) - Social Care Qualified

Service Transformation Lead Mental Health, Learning Disability and DoLS Job Purpose

To lead the review, redesign and transformation of Mental Health, AMHP, Learning Disability, Transitions and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) services. The postholder will develop sustainable service models, lead organisational change, ensure legislative readiness and improve operational performance while maintaining statutory compliance, safeguarding standards and financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Service Review: Analyse current service performance, activity, workforce capacity and budgets to establish a clear baseline and identify areas for improvement.

• Service Redesign: Develop and present costed options appraisals for alternative service structures and delivery models to senior leadership.

• Change Management: Lead the implementation of the approved restructure, managing workforce transitions, stakeholder engagement, risks and operational governance.

• Legislative Compliance: Prepare services for relevant legislative changes, including Mental Health Act reforms, post-AGNI DoLS developments and SEND transitions.

• Policies and Procedures: Review and develop policies, procedures and operational pathways to reflect legislative requirements and service changes.

• Financial Sustainability: Align service delivery and workforce capacity with budgets, addressing historic deficits while maintaining quality and statutory responsibilities.

• Partnership Working: Strengthen collaboration with health, police and voluntary sector partners, particularly around Section 117 aftercare, crisis prevention and transitions.

• Workforce Development: Work with Learning and Development colleagues to deliver training and embed legislative changes and best practice into frontline services.

• Performance and Governance: Monitor outcomes, risks, compliance and progress against agreed transformation objectives.

• Senior Leadership Support: Deputise for the Corporate Head of Service as required.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Proven experience leading service transformation, organisational change or service redesign within local government, health or social care.

• Strong knowledge of mental health, learning disability, safeguarding and relevant statutory frameworks.

• Experience in service performance analysis, budget management and developing costed business options.

• Ability to lead complex change programmes and engage effectively with staff, senior leaders and partner agencies.

• Excellent strategic planning, project management, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Commitment to person-centred practice, safeguarding, legislative compliance and continuous improvement.

Key Outcomes

• Delivery of an evidence-based service review and sustainable service model.

• Successful implementation of the agreed restructure.

• Readiness for relevant legislative changes.

• Improved financial sustainability, workforce capacity and operational effectiveness.

• Stronger partnership pathways and consistent, high-quality practice.