GDAS - Head of Operations

About GDAS

Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS) provides a comprehensive range of support to individuals affected by drug and/or alcohol use. The service aims to minimise substance-related harm and enhance overall wellbeing by offering a continuum of care, including engagement, assessment, harm reduction, outreach, training, case management, aftercare, health promotion, detoxification programmes, needle exchange, prescribing interventions, and relapse prevention.

GDAS operates across the five local authority areas of Gwent, including services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The service is non-judgemental, non-discriminatory, and professional, ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Commissioned by the Gwent Area Planning Board (APB), GDAS collaborates closely with APB Commissioning teams, local authority housing leads, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), and other key stakeholders. The service is delivered through a consortium partnership comprising Kaleidoscope, Barod, and G4S, bringing together a wealth of experience and expertise.

The partnership is committed to:

Sharing specialist knowledge and best practices to enhance integrated service delivery. Driving innovation to improve the treatment and support offered. Fostering a culture of openness and continuous learning. Aligning with the principles of the Healthier Wales Strategy to promote seamless, person-centred care. Recognising and responding to service user needs across Gwent. At Kaleidoscope, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable working environment where everyone is valued and respected. We recognise that diversity enriches our organisation and strengthens our ability to deliver effective services to the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups, including people with lived experience of substance use and mental health challenges, as well as those from different cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. We are dedicated to ensuring our recruitment processes are accessible and free from bias and discrimination. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational delivery of GDAS across Gwent, ensuring compliance with organisational objectives, service specifications, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Drive high standards of performance and quality improvement in line with Kaleidoscope and GDAS frameworks.
• Provide effective leadership and direct line management to the GDAS Senior Management Team, ensuring regular supervision and support.
• Develop and implement robust reporting mechanisms for incidents, complaints, and safeguarding concerns. Promote a multi-agency, partnership-based approach to service delivery, ensuring holistic support for service users with complex needs.
• Lead strategic initiatives to enhance service delivery and drive continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain effective operational systems and structures to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to service demands.
• Monitor and manage service performance against KPIs, identifying and addressing areas for improvement.
• Ensure all GDAS premises comply with Health and Safety regulations, in coordination with the organisational Health and Safety team.
• Prepare and coordinate high-quality reports, ensuring data collection and reporting requirements are consistently met. Manage financial performance within the region, ensuring adherence to allocated budgets.
• Lead contract reviews and ensure service compliance with commissioning requirements.
• Oversee adherence to organisational policies and procedures across GDAS.
• Identify and respond to funding opportunities, including contract tenders, grants, and sponsorships, in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Represent GDAS and Kaleidoscope at meetings, conferences, and stakeholder events.
• Align team objectives with the overarching strategic goals of the organisation.
• Provide senior operational support to other regions in the absence of their respective managers.
• Maintain professional expertise through continuous learning, networking, and relevant training.
• Support the induction and professional development of new direct reports.
• Ensure compliance with any training or study requirements linked to professional registrations.
• Uphold strict confidentiality and comply with Data Protection regulations.

Other Duties:

• Undertake ad-hoc project work as part of the organisational and service strategy agenda.
• Any other duties as required.