Job Introduction
Are you an experienced senior leader with a passion for delivering high‑quality, rights‑focused mental health social care?
At the heart of our mental health services across Bradford District is a commitment to supporting outcomes that truly matter to people who experience mental ill health. We are dedicated to providing essential help, strengthening support networks, and creating safe spaces in homes and communities. Here in Bradford, we are passionate about positive social care practice, and we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people we work with.
As a Head of Service, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across our integrated adult mental health and social care services, jointly delivered with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCT). You will ensure safe, high‑quality statutory practice under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act, while driving transformation that reflects the needs of Bradford’s diverse communities.
You will also lead governance of the AMHP service, oversee the Emergency Duty Team (EDT), and ensure the service is ready for upcoming Mental Health Act reforms. Working in partnership with BDCT, VCSE organisations, communities and system partners, you will help deliver the Community Mental Health Transformation programme and strengthen neighbourhood‑based models of support.
It is an exciting time to join us. We have strong connections with our partners across the District, a clear vision for embedding quality practice, and a supportive Senior Leadership Team. With Teaching Partnership pathways, CPD opportunities and a positive learning culture, you will have every opportunity to grow and lead with impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across integrated mental health and social care services.
- Oversee AMHP governance and ensure lawful, ethical Mental Health Act practice.
- Lead the Emergency Duty Team, ensuring a safe and effective 24/7 crisis response.
- Strengthen quality assurance, safeguarding and standards of practice across localities.
- Work with BDCT, VCSE partners and system leaders to deliver Community Mental Health Transformation.
You will have:
- Social Work England registration (or relevant AHP registration) and substantial senior leadership experience.
- Expertise in the Mental Health Act, AMHP governance, Care Act and safeguarding.
- Experience of leading integrated or multi‑agency mental health services.
- Excellent leadership, communication and partnership‑working skills.
- A strong commitment to ethical, rights‑based and strengths‑focused practice.
Why Join Us?
- A supportive, ambitious and collaborative leadership environment.
- Opportunities to influence system‑wide transformation across Bradford.
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to individuals, families and communities.
In return we can offer you:
- A leadership team that values and supports you.
- Regular supervision, reflective leadership support and annual appraisals.
- Competitive salary and progression.
- Generous annual leave and an excellent Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- Enhanced DBS check required.
If you are a motivated and values‑driven senior leader looking for a high‑impact role, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: 8th February 2026
Indicative dates for interview w/c 9th March 2026
For further information, please contact:
Fazeela Hafejee Assistant Director Adults with Disabilities - Fazeela.hafejee@bradford.gov.uk
Employee Offer
Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf
Equal Opportunities
We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants.
The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.
