Elaine Harvey
Irlam ,Manchester
Summary
Experienced senior leader with over five years as a Head of Service, initially within Families First—where I led a full organisational redesign—before being head‑hunted to lead Support & Protection. A qualified and registered social worker since 2009, I bring extensive leadership experience across children’s social care, with deep expertise in statutory frameworks,
safeguarding, legal processes, quality assurance, and service improvement. I have successfully led services through Ofsted ILACS and Focussed Visits ensuring teams are inspection-ready and demonstrating evidence of impact and learning. . I have completed the North West Leadership Programme.
Strong leadership style built upon high support and high challenge, enabling managers and practitioners to deliver consistent, high‑quality practiceI have a proven record of driving strategic transformation, strengthening governance, modernising services, and embedding high‑quality, consistent practice that improves outcomes for children and families. My leadership style is relational, collaborative, and rooted in high support and high challenge, enabling teams to thrive through change while upholding strong professional standards.
Skilled at influencing at all levels including elected members, senior leaders, and multi‑agency partners, I provide confident direction, constructive challenge, and clear decision‑making. I have delivered targeted service redesigns, implemented performance and quality frameworks with measurable impact, and developed workforce strategies that stabilise teams and enhance long‑term resilience.
With experience spanning the full spectrum of children’s social care—from duty and assessment to court work, permanency, and adoption—I bring excellent analytical, assessment, and report‑writing skills. I have chaired a wide range of panels and meetings, including Legal Gateway Panels, and led statutory decision‑making while cultivating strong partnerships across agencies, carers, families, and professional networks.
As an Independent Reviewing Officer, I have led complex statutory reviews, providing robust scrutiny, challenging drift and delay, and ensuring decisions remain child‑centred, legally compliant, and outcome‑focused. I have a strong track record of advocating for children's rights and securing improved outcomes through informed challenge.
Recognised for integrity, clear communication, and a relentless focus on improvement, I deliver resilient, high‑performing services that adapt to the evolving needs of children, young people, and families.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of Service-Support & Protection
Trafford Borough Council
Manchester , Stretford
2023.02 - Current
- Collaborated with stakeholders to understand and meet objectives.
- Launched initiatives for improving staff performance and skill sets.
- Built strong relationships with key clients increasing loyalty and retention.
- Directed process improvements, reducing operational bottlenecks.
- Devised strategic plans to drive continuous improvement in services.
- Audited service delivery processes with an eye on quality assurance.
- Managed various teams to deliver high-quality service consistently.
- Fostered a motivation-oriented work environment, boosting team morale.
- Supervised and evaluated employee performance, providing construction feedback and identifying staff talent.
- Experience providing strategic leadership to CIN, CP, PLO, and court teams within a high‑pressure statutory environment.
- Proven ability to design, implement, and embed service improvement programmes, including organisational redesign and front‑door transformation.
- Skilled in establishing effective governance, performance dashboards, and quality assurance frameworks that improve practice, compliance, and outcomes.
- Experienced in leading services through Ofsted ILACS and Focussed Visits, ensuring teams are inspection-ready and demonstrating evidence of impact and learning.
- Strong leadership style built upon high support and high challenge, enabling managers and practitioners to deliver consistent, high‑quality practice.
- Strong safeguarding expertise with the ability to analyse risk, challenge practice, and ensure children’s experiences and voices shape decision-making.
- Chairing experience across Legal Gateway Panels, performance boards, complex case discussions, and senior leadership meetings.
- Track record of reducing drift and delay for children through strengthened oversight, tighter tracking systems, and improved professional curiosity.
- Skilled in building quality into every level of service delivery, from individual case audits to thematic reviews and whole‑service learning.
- Experienced in leading workforce stability strategies, improving recruitment, retention, and wellbeing across social work teams.
- Strong track record of remodelling teams, redesigning pathways, and improving workflow to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication.
- Committed to developing confident, skilled practitioners through reflective supervision, coaching, and building a culture of continuous learning.
- Implemented performance and quality frameworks that have driven measurable improvements in timeliness, compliance, and practice quality.
- Held strategic and operational leadership for Help & Protection Services, Child in need, Child Protection, Section 37/Section 7 Reports, Pre- & Care Proceedings across Trafford.
• Oversaw the development and implementation of a new service structure to improve accountability, performance, and outcomes. - Reviewed and strengthened Pre-proceedings and Care Proceedings both quality and performance to achieve timely permanence for children and young people.
- Led the service re-design progressed embedding restorative practice and improving Ofsted outcomes.
- Acted as strategic link to CAFCASS, ensuring Trafford’s contribution and performance aligned with regional priorities.
- Embedded a performance and compliance framework across all service areas, driving improvements in timeliness, quality, and regulatory compliance.
- Extensive operational oversight of PLO work and care proceedings across a range of complex cases including neglect, physical harm, emotional harm, domestic abuse, substance misuse, and non‑accidental injury.
- Ability to support and challenge social workers and managers to produce high‑quality evidence, clear analysis, and well‑reasoned recommendations.
- Experience collaborating with legal teams, counsel, guardians, and judiciary to resolve issues, progress court timetables, and secure permanence plans.
Head of Service-Families First
Trafford Borough Council
Manchester , Stretford
2021.10 - 2023.02
- Audited service delivery processes with an eye on quality assurance.
- Directed process improvements, reducing operational bottlenecks.
- Fostered a motivation-oriented work environment, boosting team morale.
- Built strong relationships with partners increasing loyalty and retention.
- Devised strategic plans to drive continuous improvement in services.
- Supervised and evaluated employee performance, providing construction feedback and identifying staff talent.
- Controlled expenses, advising on efficient use of resources to minimise unnecessary costs.
- Directed activities of staff to maximise service availability and play to teams' strengths.
- Skilled in working collaboratively with Police, Education, Health, CAMHS, Legal Services, Early Help, and voluntary/community partners to improve safeguarding arrangements.
- Experienced in developing strong relationships with senior leaders, elected members, corporate parenting panels, and safeguarding partnerships.
- Clear, confident communicator able to influence, negotiate, and drive collective responsibility for improving outcomes.
- Practice and leadership experience spanning Duty & Assessment, CIN, CP, PLO, Court Work, Permanence and Adoption.
- Experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer, providing robust challenge, ensuring care planning is timely and legally compliant, and advocating for children’s rights.
- Strong analytical skills, high‑quality report writing, and the ability to provide decisive, ethical leadership in complex and high‑risk situations.
- Experienced in leading workforce stability strategies, improving recruitment, retention, and wellbeing across social work teams.
- Strong track record of remodelling teams, redesigning pathways, and improving workflow to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication.
- Committed to developing confident, skilled practitioners through reflective supervision, coaching, and building a culture of continuous learning.
- Implemented performance and quality frameworks that have driven measurable improvements in timeliness, compliance, and practice quality.
Service Manager-Social Care Front Door
Trafford Borough Council
Manchester , Stretford
2020.06 - 2021.09
- Maintained a positive work environment through effective conflict resolution strategies among staff.
- Managed customer complaints for improved service delivery and organisational reputation.
- Developed an efficient workflow to reduce service downtime.
- Conducted thorough audits on services provided, maintaining top-quality standards consistently.
- Established clear lines of communication between management and staff, fostering a harmonious working environment.
- Assessed employee performances regularly, providing constructive feedback where necessary for continuous improvement.
- Led team meetings to set performance goals and review progress regularly.
- Supervised and evaluated employee performance, providing construction feedback and identifying staff talent.
- Identified service gaps, developing plans to strengthen or expand offerings.
- Controlled expenses, advising on efficient use of resources to minimise unnecessary costs.
- Reviewed operational policies periodically for improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
- Streamlined service operations by enhancing team collaboration and communication.
- Driving improved performance in across the front door as the service manager, through the implementation of a performance and compliance framework.
- Increased compliance with quality and performance, improved timescales, and overall compliance against standards.
- Helped to re-establish relationships across the service and stakeholders.
- Ensuring compliance with practice standards as per statutory duties.
- Developed and implemented processes and procedures at the front door whilst developing the culture/morale.
- Proven track record of achieving improved outcomes for children, young people and their families.
Deputy Team Manager-First Response Team
Trafford Borough Council
Manchester , Stretford
2017.04 - 2020.05
- Coordinated shifts and rosters to maximise staff availability during peak times.
- Ensured compliance with company policies to maintain a safe working environment.
- Collaborated on strategic planning, leading to more effective resource allocation.
- Enhanced customer service standards with thorough staff training and development.
- Championed process improvement initiatives that significantly reduced errors and rework.
- Maintained open lines of communication within the team, promoting transparency and trust among members..
- Implemented new procedures, improving overall efficiency of the team's workflow.
- Improved team morale by organising weekly team-building exercises.
- Attended regular training and supervision workshops for improved service user support.
- Maintained confidential case documentation in line with data protection regulations.
- Consulted with multidisciplinary team of professionals to optimise treatment plans for complex cases.
- Oversaw multiple social work cases simultaneously, directing assessments, conducting interviews and recommending best courses of action.
- Prepared reports for legal action and provided evidence in court.
Independent Reviewing Officer
Trafford Borough Council
Manchester , Stretford
2014.06 - 2017.04
Social Worker
Trafford Borough Council
Manchester , Stretford
2009.09 - 2014.06
Support Worker/Court Directed Parenting Assessment
Family Action
Manchester , Moston
2008.06 - 2009.07
Carer
Kara House
Manchester , Sale
1990.05 - 2000.04
- Facilitated communication between patients and their families for better understanding of care plan progressions.
- Adhered strictly to privacy rules, respecting the confidentiality rights of all clients.
- Improved patient comfort by regularly changing bed linens and maintaining cleanliness of personal spaces.
- Demonstrated empathy towards the emotional needs of clients, providing necessary reassurance during difficult times.
- Coordinated appointments with healthcare professionals for routine check-ups and treatments.
- Provided exceptional care to elderly patients by assisting with daily tasks.
- Responded swiftly to emergency situations, protecting patient well-being.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care plans.
- Ensured proper nutrition by preparing healthy meals for patients.
- Encouraged social interaction for improved mental health amongst residents.
- Maintained patient records, guaranteeing accurate tracking of medical history and treatment plans.
- Administered medication, ensuring correct dosage and timing.
- Utilised active listening skills whilst engaging in conversation with clients, boosting their mood and overall happiness level.
- Offered companionship to reduce feelings of loneliness in patients.
- Worked collaboratively with other carers to provide comprehensive service.
- Developed personalised care plans which catered to individual needs and preferences of each patient.
- Provided personal grooming assistance such as bathing or dressing up for enhanced self-esteem among clients.
- Maintained hygienic living environments through regular cleaning.
- Created positive relationships with clients through practical support and companionship, improving overall quality of life.
- Maintained client dignity and respect throughout personal care support, including dressing, showering and toileting.
- Aided clients with bedtime routines, washing and dressing.
- Maintained client dignity and respect throughout dressing, showering and toileting.
- Safely lifted, transferred and repositioned service users using hoists and wheelchairs.
- Used outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with clients for exceptional satisfaction ratings.
Education
BA HONS - Social Work
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester 2005.09 - 2008.07
A Levels & Maths C - Access Course
Access to Higher Education
Manchester 2004.09 - 2005.06
GCSEs -
Frank F Harrison School
Walsall 1981.09 - 1986.06
Skills
Excellent people manager in terms of motivation and performance
Can work under high pressure and to tight deadlines
Experienced in risk /management identification
Experience of all childcare work from duty to adoption
Experience of all types of Court application as practitioner, team manager, service manager and Head of Service
Service Manager and management roles in 3 specific services within the local authority
Experienced social worker
Independent Reviewing Officer & Child Protection Chair
Social Work England Registered
Out of Hours covering manager on a rota basis
Excellent assessment and report writing skills
Experienced chair of legal gateway and chairing various other senior leader meetings
Excellent IT and organisation skills, good time management, and ability to work autonomously
Ability to develop positive working relationships with professionals, families carers, and colleagues, and strong emphasis on multi-agency working
Proven track record of transforming underperforming services through targeted process improvements and strategic design
Proven track record of stabilising services through effective recruitment strategies and improving staff retention to build a resilient, high performing workforce
Experience of supervising and supporting colleagues and new workers
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of Service-Support & Protection
Trafford Borough Council
2023.02 - Current
Head of Service-Families First
Trafford Borough Council
2021.10 - 2023.02
Service Manager-Social Care Front Door
Trafford Borough Council
2020.06 - 2021.09
Deputy Team Manager-First Response Team
Trafford Borough Council
2017.04 - 2020.05
Independent Reviewing Officer
Trafford Borough Council
2014.06 - 2017.04
Social Worker
Trafford Borough Council
2009.09 - 2014.06
Support Worker/Court Directed Parenting Assessment
Family Action
2008.06 - 2009.07
BA HONS - Social Work
Manchester Metropolitan University
2005.09 - 2008.07
A Levels & Maths C - Access Course
Access to Higher Education
2004.09 - 2005.06
Carer
Kara House
1990.05 - 2000.04
GCSEs -
Frank F Harrison School
1981.09 - 1986.06