HEAD OF SERVICE
ADULT & YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES – NEURODIVERGENT SUPPORT
LOCATION: WEST LOTHIAN (ON-SITE)
Compass Associates is proud to be working in partnership with a specialist provider to recruit a Head of Service for a portfolio of adult and young people’s services.
This is a senior leadership position with full operational accountability for multiple regulated services, supporting neurodivergent individuals through tailored, person-centred programmes focused on independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes.
THE ROLE
As Head of Service, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, quality and performance of a group of specialist services, while contributing to wider organisational strategy as part of the senior leadership team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing visible, hands-on leadership across multiple regulated services
- Acting as Registered Manager, ensuring safe, compliant and high-quality service delivery
- Leading and developing Team Leaders and frontline staff to deliver consistent, person-centred support
- Acting as the escalation point for complex operational, safeguarding and practice issues
- Building strong relationships with families, regulators, local authorities and external partners
- Driving service quality, safeguarding standards and inspection readiness
- Leading service design, continuous improvement and innovation across the portfolio
- Embedding a culture of accountability, reflective practice and inclusion
- Overseeing performance, data, reporting and governance requirements
- Managing budgets and resources effectively in line with operational priorities
This role combines strategic oversight with operational leadership and will suit an experienced leader comfortable working at pace within a regulated and values-led environment.
ABOUT YOU
- Qualified Registered Manager in line with SSSC requirements
- Significant experience leading regulated services within adult social care
- Strong background in quality, safeguarding and continuous improvement
- Experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and/or young people with complex needs
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and develop high-performing cultures
- Confident working with regulators, commissioners and external stakeholders
- Strong communication and reporting capability, including presenting to senior leadership
- Commercial awareness, including budget management and resource planning
- Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement
LOCATION AND PACKAGE
- On-site role based in West Lothian
- Full-time, 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including enhanced pension, generous annual leave and wellbeing support
CANDIDATE SUITABILITY NOTE
This role requires prior experience operating at a senior level within regulated services, including holding or working towards registration.
Applications will only be considered from candidates who meet this level of experience.
WANT TO APPLY?
Submit your CV and we’ll be in touch to discuss compatibility.
Contact: domalley@compassltd.co.uk
Tel: 0161 527 9638
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are not interested but know someone who is, we offer £500 in vouchers for successful recommendations.