Social services managers and directors Pay Data UK — 2025

Social services managers and directors roles in the UK earn a median of £48,172 per year, equivalent to £24.67 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 8.9% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £32,305 to £61,343 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Social services managers and directors roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Social services managers and directors

Social services managers and directors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the resources and commission the services necessary to protect the welfare of certain groups within local authorities including children and young people, families under stress, people with disabilities, elderly people and people needing help as a result of illness.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• provides leadership and management to ensure services are delivered in accordance with statutory requirements and in line with the local authority social services department’s policies and procedures
• determines staffing, financial, material and other short and long-term needs
• plans work schedules, assigns tasks and delegates responsibilities of social services staff
• monitors and evaluates departmental performance with a view to improving social service provision
• studies and advises upon changes in legislation that will impact upon social service provision
• liaises with representatives of other relevant agencies

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entry is usually through internal promotion for those with the appropriate professional qualifications and relevant experience. Post-qualifying professional qualifications and in-service training are available.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.