Location: Leicestershire County Council (Hybrid Working) Role: Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - Safeguarding Hourly Rate: £42.00 per hour (Umbrella) Contract Type: Locum / Agency (Full-Time)
Are you an authoritative safeguarding expert ready to operate at a strategic level to protect children across Leicestershire?
Leicestershire County Council is currently seeking a highly experienced and analytical Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to join our central safeguarding team. This is a critical statutory role responsible for the management and oversight of allegations made against professionals, carers, and volunteers who work with children.
We are looking for a senior practitioner-likely with previous experience as a Team Manager, Child Protection Chair, or IRO-who possesses an expert understanding of safeguarding legislation and the confidence to guide complex multi-agency investigations.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Managing Allegations: Provide statutory advice, guidance, and oversight for all allegations made against individuals working with children in Leicestershire, ensuring compliance with Working Together to Safeguard Children.
- Chairing Meetings: Convene and chair complex LADO strategy meetings, bringing together employers, HR professionals, police, regulatory bodies (e.g., Ofsted, SWE), and children's social care.
- Multi-Agency Leadership: Work closely with the police and statutory partners to ensure that allegations are investigated thoroughly, fairly, and without unnecessary delay.
- Quality Assurance: Monitor the progress of ongoing investigations, ensuring robust risk assessments are in place to safeguard children while investigations conclude.
What We Are Looking For:
- Qualifications: A recognized Social Work degree (BA/MA/BSc/DipSW/CQSW) or equivalent professional qualification.
- Registration: Active and unrestricted registration with Social Work England (SWE).
- Experience: Substantial post-qualifying experience (ideally 5+ years) in statutory children's safeguarding, with a background in complex Child Protection, management, or quality assurance (e.g., IRO, CP Chair, or advanced practitioner).
- Skills: Exceptional analytical ability, strong chairing skills, and the gravitas to challenge and advise senior leaders across various organizations.
- Knowledge: An expert-level understanding of safer recruitment practices and local safeguarding partnership procedures.
- Compliance: An Enhanced DBS (on the update service preferred) and Right to Work in the UK.
Why Choose Leicestershire County Council?
- Premium Pay: A highly competitive locum rate of £42.00 per hour, reflecting the seniority and expertise required for this position.
- Strategic Impact: Step away from holding a traditional caseload and use your safeguarding expertise to influence practice on a macro level.
- Supportive Environment: Work within a well-structured safeguarding unit with strong support from senior management.
Take the lead in safer practice and professional safeguarding. If you have the senior expertise, clinical confidence, and multi-agency leadership skills required for this vital role, we want to speak with you.
Apply Now: Please submit your most recent CV detailing your senior safeguarding experience, or contact for a confidential discussion about the LADO position.
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