Assistant Director | Adult Social Care | Safeguarding | DOLs

Assistant Director - Adult Safeguarding & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

Interim Opportunity | Kent County Council

Location: Kent (Hybrid Working) Contract: Temporary / Interim Rate: Up to £750 per day Recruitment Partner: Connect2Kent

Connect2Kent is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner to Kent County Council, supporting the attraction of exceptional talent across the organisation.

We are currently recruiting for an experienced and visionary Assistant Director of Adult Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) on an interim basis. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the country's largest and most ambitious Adult Social Care services and play a key role in shaping the future of safeguarding practice across Kent.

Serving more than 34,000 residents, Kent County Council continues to drive innovation, transformation and excellence through its Adult Social Care Strategy, delivering better outcomes for vulnerable adults and communities across the county. This senior leadership role will place you at the heart of that journey.

The Opportunity

As a member of the Adult Social Care and Health Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership for Adult Safeguarding and DoLS services, ensuring the council continues to deliver safe, effective, legally compliant and person-centred services.

You will lead the development and delivery of safeguarding strategy, influence system-wide improvement, and work collaboratively with health, voluntary sector and local authority partners to strengthen outcomes for Kent residents.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic and operational leadership for Adult Safeguarding and DoLS services. Lead the council's approach to safeguarding adults at risk, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met. Act as the Directorate lead for Mental Capacity Act and DoLS compliance. Drive continuous improvement through quality assurance, performance intelligence and service innovation. Build and maintain strong relationships with partner agencies across health, social care and the voluntary sector. Influence strategic decision-making and contribute to the wider transformation agenda within Adult Social Care. Promote excellent professional practice and a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement.

About You

We are seeking an inspirational senior leader with significant experience operating at Assistant Director, Head of Service or equivalent level within Adult Social Care or a related health and care setting.

You will bring:

Extensive experience leading adult safeguarding and statutory social care services. In-depth knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards framework. A proven track record of delivering strategic change and service improvement within complex organisations. Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills. Experience influencing and leading across organisational boundaries. Exceptional leadership, communication and decision-making abilities. A passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable adults and their families.

Why Apply?

High-profile interim leadership opportunity. Join one of the largest Adult Social Care systems in England. Influence safeguarding practice at a strategic level. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Opportunity to leave a lasting impact on services and communities across Kent. Supported by Connect2Kent, Kent County Council's exclusive recruitment partner.

About Connect2Kent

Connect2Kent is the managed service recruitment provider for Kent County Council, connecting high-calibre professionals with opportunities that make a real difference across the county. As an exclusive recruitment partner, we work closely with hiring managers to ensure a smooth recruitment process and provide dedicated support throughout your assignment.

Interested?

If you are an accomplished Adult Social Care leader with expertise in safeguarding, DoLS and strategic transformation, we'd love to hear from you.

Connect2Kent is a trading style of Commercial Services Kent LTD - A company wholly owned by Kent County Council. Connect2Kent is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates