NQSW Talent Development Lead - Children's Services
- Exeter, East Devon
- Full Time
- £51,356 - £55,604

Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) Talent Development Lead - 12 month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment
Are you an experienced and qualified Practice Educator passionate about nurturing the next generation of social care professionals? If so, could this be the next exciting step in your career?
About the role
This role has been introduced to support our 2026 cohort of Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs). Each Talent Development Lead will be responsible for delivering high-quality learning and professional development throughout the NQSWs’ first year on the programme. In addition, they will provide daily supervision, workload allocation, and ongoing management for up to six NQSWs within their designated Hub.
About you
We are looking for someone who brings substantial post qualification experience and thrives on empowering others. With a strong grasp of the ASYE frameworks, you will lead practice improvement and foster high-quality care delivery. You will provide reflective supervision, mentorship and pastoral care to our NQSWs, embedding our Seven Pillars and restorative framework into frontline practice. Your ability to critically reflect and offer insightful analysis will shape a learning culture that supports professional growth and meaningful outcomes for the children and families we support.
What we can offer you
There are many benefits to joining Devon County Council and in exchange for your dedication, skills and experience we can offer a number of employee benefits including:
- Dedicated support with regular supervision from line management so you can critically reflect on your practice on a regular basis. Group supervisions are also offered, allowing you to learn from your colleagues and grow the strength of your social work practice together.
- Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
- Free onsite parking
- Flexible working opportunities and promotion of a healthy work-life balance, including working from home where possible – Please visit Happy to Talk Flexible Working for more information
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
For more information about living and working in Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
Applications close on 21 June 2026 and shortlisted applicants will be contacted to arrange interview dates promptly.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Rebecca Bolitho rebecca.bolitho@devon.gov.uk or Sam Mannion Sam.Mannion@devon.gov.uk
Please Note: At this time, we are only accepting applications from candidates who are currently residing in the UK and are unable to consider overseas applications.
Internal Applicants: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Additional Information
- This role requires a DBS disclosure
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice
REQ009829
Interview Date: TBC
Click here to see the Job Description