Job Introduction We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council . We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. This full-time, permanent position has a starting salary of £54,636 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. We have a great opportunity for a Professional Development Lead (previously known as Senior Practitioner Specialist lead) to join our fantastic Adult’s Academy team. We are a county-wide team and support a hybrid model of work which will include travel across Surrey, with at least 2 days per week, on average, working from one of our offices. Our Offer to You 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents About the AWHP Training Academy The AWHP Training Academy is here to support and grow a strong, skilled, and confident workforce. We lead on the training, career development opportunities and practice improvement activities for staff in our directorate – be that registered professionals, non-registered and reablement team colleagues. We focus on supporting our workforce, improving how teams work, and making sure we're ready for future challenges. We use data and feedback to guide what we do, including learning from audits, staff feedback and resident insights. The Academy is a space for learning, reflection and support, helping staff build their skills, share good practice, and feel confident in their roles. About the Role This is an exciting opportunity to support and lead the professional development of staff within the AWHP Directorate. The role involves working collaboratively with colleagues across the directorate to identify learning priorities, plan and deliver training, creating e-learning and facilitate reflective practice sessions. A key element of the role is to drive continuous improvement in practice standards across specific policy and practice areas. Quality Assurance is a key aspect of this role which is integral to various projects. It will include leading on the development of practice guidance and tools to ensure consistent quality across the directorate, as well as designing and delivering training and learning events. The role includes line management responsibility for social work and occupational therapy trainees, ensuring they are effectively supported to engage with their degree programmes. This also includes arranging practice placements and attending progress review meetings. In addition, you will contribute to and support the professional development programmes delivered by the Academy, including ASYE, Preceptorship, and the Advancing Practice Programme. You will act as a key connector across teams and with external providers, building strong relationships to promote joined-up, inclusive practice and championing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours : Relevant professional qualification in Social Work or Occupational Therapy and registration with substantial experience within the health and/or Social Care sectors, with a proven ability to engage, collaborate and inspire across departments Experience in designing, organising and delivering training and learning events with experience of developing guidance, processes and tools to ensure quality assurance Ability to work autonomously managing and delivering on projects within timescales High legal literacy, with strong knowledge of safeguarding, mental capacity, and Care Act duties Experience and skills in supervision, coaching and performance management, supporting individual and team development A strong understanding of adult social care workforce development and system-wide change programmes, including leading and influencing practice improvement across organisations, embedding sustainable change, and supporting consistent, high-quality practice across the system A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, with the confidence to champion inclusive practice across a complex organisation To apply, we request that you submit a CV and answer the following 3 questions in no more than 500 words per question: Please describe a situation where you contributed to improving practice and quality standards. How were the practice improvements delivered and how did you evaluate whether this approach was effective in improving the experience for residents? Please describe a time when you designed or reshaped a training or learning offer. What was the issue you were trying to address? How did you design the training and what challenges or constraints did you encounter? How did you respond to them, and how did you know whether the training had made a difference? Please describe your experience of supervising staff to ensure they develop to their full potential. In particular, we’re interested in how you handle performance issues and how you support staff wellbeing and workplace stress. An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role. The role holder will need to have the willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 17.05.2026 with interviews planned for 27.05.2026 Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey Handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. Contact Us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please email Debbie.Yardley@surreycc.gov.uk Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council. Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

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