Child Protection Lead Officer - WDN06117

West Dunbartonshire Council; Dumbarton; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Scotland is seeking a Child Protection Lead Officer to drive the future of child protection services. This role involves leading policy development, ensuring high standards of safeguarding, and working collaboratively across agencies. Ideal candidates are experienced social work professionals passionate about child safety and service improvement. The position offers flexible working and employee benefits including a generous pension scheme and annual leave.

Benefits

Access to Local Government pension scheme

Minimum 25 days annual leave

Employee wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Qualified social work professional registered with SSSC.
• Experienced in public protection and policy development.
• Confident communicator and influencer passionate for safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of child protection policies.
• Drive improvement planning and quality assurance.
• Support the Child Protection Committee with expert guidance.

Skills

Public protection

Policy development

Multi-agency working

Performance analysis

Service improvement

Strategic planning

Education

DipSW or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across West Dunbartonshire?

We’re looking for a dynamic, passionate and strategic leader to take on the pivotal role of Child Protection Lead Officer. This is your opportunity to shape the future of child protection services, drive multi-agency collaboration and ensure the highest standards of safeguarding practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of child protection policies and procedures.
• Drive improvement planning and quality assurance across services.
• Support the Child Protection Committee and its subgroups with expert guidance and coordination.
• Champion multi-agency working to reduce harm and promote safety.
• Provide strategic oversight of learning reviews, audits, and performance reporting.

Who You Are

• A qualified social work professional (DipSW or equivalent) registered with SSSC.
• Experienced in public protection, policy development, and multi-agency working.
• A confident communicator and influencer with a passion for safeguarding.
• Skilled in performance analysis, service improvement and strategic planning.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to lead transformational work in child protection.
• Opportunities for professional development through national networks and training.
• The satisfaction of knowing your work directly impacts the safety and wellbeing of children.

Ready to lead with purpose? Apply now and be the driving force behind safer futures for West Dunbartonshire’s children.

Requirements

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and as such membership with the PVG scheme is essential. Further details of this scheme can be found here.

Preferred applicants will be required to become members of the relevant PVG scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by West Dunbartonshire Council.

The Individual

The successful candidate will benefit from the following:

WDC was voted one of the top ten flexible employers and prides itself in providing flexible working to support work life balance. In addition to this there are also additional benefits:

• Access to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS) with an employer’s contribution of at least 19.3% and all associated benefits
• A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing a day each year up to 35 days as well as 8 fixed public holidays each year
• Access to employee wellbeing supports including occupational health & counselling if ever you need help and support

For information about West Dunbartonshire Council please click on the following link and see why we are an employer of choice: About Us
More information on the benefits of working within West Dunbartonshire Council, can be found using the following link: Benefits of Working with us