Service Improvement Lead - JACS Programme
- Multiple Locations
- Full Time
- £63,225 per annum

Service Improvement Operational Leads for both Adult’s and Children’s Services - JACS Programme (2 FTE posts available)
Fixed Term / Secondment (18 Months)
Be a Changemaker in Devon’s Social Care!
Are you passionate about driving service improvement and transformation? Do you thrive in leading change, inspiring teams, and making a tangible impact on Adult or Children’s Social Care services? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
We’re looking for two Service Improvement Operational Leads, one to take charge of the Adults' and one to take charge of Children’s elements of the JACS Programme. This is a major transformation initiative designed to improve service efficiency, streamline processes, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
This is not just another leadership role—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of Devon’s Social Care, influence system design, and embed meaningful change across our organisation. If you’re ready to take the lead on strategic projects and help us redefine the way we support individuals and communities, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join Us?
- Make an impact – Lead on a high-profile transformation programme that will directly improve the lives of adults who rely on our services.
- Drive innovation – Challenge existing ways of working, introduce new ideas, and implement improvements that bring lasting change.
- Collaborate with experts – Work alongside senior leaders, partners, and professionals across Adult or Children’s Social Care.
- Develop and grow – Take ownership of key projects, shape strategic direction, and further develop your leadership skills.
Your Role
As our Service Improvement Lead, you will:
- Lead the implementation and improvement of the JACS Programme within either Adult Social Care or Children’s Social Care
- Drive service transformation, ensuring that changes are embedded effectively and deliver tangible benefits.
- Challenge and refine current systems and processes to enhance efficiency and improve user experience.
- Oversee the design and delivery of system improvements while ensuring compliance with national and local policies.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders, frontline staff, and partners to align priorities and achieve shared objectives.
- Provide high-level strategic and operational advice to directors and senior leadership teams.
- Champion change by embedding best practices and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
What We’re Looking For
We want a dynamic and results-driven leader who can inspire and influence others while managing complex improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven experience in leading and managing service transformation within Adult or Children’s Social Care or a related field.
- The ability to drive change, engage stakeholders, and implement effective solutions.
- A strong understanding of national policies, governance, and compliance related to Adult or Children’s Social Care.
- Experience in overseeing budgets, resources, and staff within an improvement programme.
- Excellent communication skills—able to present ideas, influence decision-makers, and engage a wide range of audiences.
- A passion for delivering high-quality services that improve the lives of vulnerable adults.
Join Us and Make a Difference!
If you're excited about the opportunity to lead a major improvement programme and drive lasting change, we’d love to hear from you. For further information Gary Patch (Adult’s Post) gary.patch@devon.gov.uk or Steve Liddicott (Children’s Post) steve.liddicott@devon.gov.uk or contact us on (01392) 383000.
These roles are for 18 months and suit a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.
If you are applying as a secondment, ensure you have agreement from your line manager before submitting your application.
Be part of something bigger—transform lives, shape services, and lead the way in Devon’s Social Care.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- 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.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ007740