Lead Child Protection Practitioner

Zohorecruit; Horncastle; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 Month Contract

Full-Time Office-Based Role

Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred

Bi-Weekly Pay

Job summary

Lincolnshire County Council is seeking a seasoned Lead Child Protection Practitioner to enhance safeguarding across the county. You will lead and chair Child Protection Conferences, oversee multi-agency decision-making, and provide independent safeguarding oversight to drive improvements.

The post requires substantial frontline experience, a solid grasp of statutory guidance and relevant procedures, and the ability to develop practice through QA activity and professional leadership.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• At least 5 years' post-qualifying experience in frontline Child Protection.
• Extensive experience chairing CP Conferences and leading safeguarding processes.
• Strong knowledge of statutory guidance and safeguarding procedures (e.g. Working Together to Safeguard Children, Public Law Outline).

Responsibilities

• Lead and chair Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences.
• Oversee Strategy Discussions, Section 47 investigations where appropriate, and multi-agency planning.
• Provide independent safeguarding oversight and drive practice improvement.
• Collaborate with Social Workers, Health, Education, Police and safeguarding partners.
• Support workforce development and learning activities.

Skills

Chairing CP Conferences

Multi-agency working

Report writing

Leadership

safeguarding leadership

Job description

Job Description

Location: Holmeleigh, Foundry Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6AQ

Contract: 6 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Office-Based

DBS: Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List Required

Summary

Lincolnshire County Council is on the lookout for a seasoned Lead Child Protection Practitioner to enhance its Quality and Standards Team. This pivotal role is dedicated to elevating the quality and uniformity of Child Protection practices throughout the county. The chosen candidate will spearhead and oversee Child Protection Conferences, guide multi-agency decision-making, provide independent safeguarding oversight, and drive continuous improvements within Children's Services. This position demands a professional with substantial frontline safeguarding experience and a comprehensive grasp of statutory guidance, Child Protection procedures, and collaborative multi-agency efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Child Protection Leadership

• Enhance the consistency of Child Protection practices countywide.
• Lead and facilitate effective multi-agency decision-making.
• Offer independent oversight of Child Protection procedures.
• Serve as a primary source of expertise and consultation for practitioners and managers.
• Foster practice improvement and professional development.

Strategy Discussions & Section 47 Investigations

• Guide decision-making for Strategy Discussions and Meetings.
• Chair Strategy Discussions and coordinate multi-agency planning.
• Decide on the necessity of Section 47 investigations.
• Track investigation progress and ensure adherence to timelines.
• Collaborate closely with Social Workers and Practice Supervisors throughout the Child Protection process.

Child Protection Conferences

• Prepare for and chair Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences.
• Ensure Child Protection Plans are focused, outcome-oriented, and clearly communicated to families.
• Engage with parents and significant family members before conferences.
• Support children and young people in participating in the Child Protection process.
• Ensure advocacy services are available and accessible.

Quality Assurance & Practice Improvement

• Conduct audits, dip sampling, and quality assurance activities.
• Identify exemplary practices and areas needing improvement.
• Contribute to learning reviews and practice development initiatives.
• Facilitate reflective case discussions and professional consultations.
• Support workforce development and learning activities.

Multi-Agency Working

• Establish effective working relationships with:
  • Social Workers
  • Health Professionals
  • Education Services
  • Police
  • Safeguarding Partners
  • Voluntary Sector Organisations
• Promote effective information sharing and collaborative safeguarding practices.
• Support the development of county-wide safeguarding standards and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities

• Child Protection Conferences
• Supervision Order Reviews
• Interim Supervision Order Reviews
• Short Break Reviews for Children with Disabilities under Child Protection Plans
• Contribute to thematic reviews and safeguarding learning events.
• Utilize data and case analysis to support service development.
• Escalate concerns about drift, delay, or poor practice as necessary.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• At least 5 years' post-qualifying experience in a frontline Child Protection setting.
• Extensive experience in chairing Child Protection Conferences and leading safeguarding processes.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Child Protection
  • Section 47 Investigations
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • Child in Need Processes
  • Safeguarding Practice Reviews
  • Public Law Outline
• In-depth understanding of the Families First Programme Guidance.
• Experience in multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.
• Significant experience in quality assurance, auditing, and practice improvement.
• Excellent report-writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to provide challenge, support, and professional leadership.
• Experience in supporting and developing frontline practitioners.
• Previous experience in a Quality Assurance, IRO, CP Chair, or Safeguarding Practice role.
• Experience in developing safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Experience in leading service improvement programmes.

What's on Offer?

• 6 Month Contract
• Full-Time Office-Based Role
• Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List Required
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Opportunity to play a leading role in enhancing Child Protection practices across Lincolnshire.
• High-profile safeguarding position with significant multi-agency involvement.
• Opportunity to influence practice standards, quality assurance, and service improvement.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, Child Protection Chair, Independent Reviewing Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Safeguarding Practitioner, Senior Social Worker, Child Protection Conference Chair, or Practice Development Lead.