Lead Child Protection Practitioner

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillingdon Council is seeking a Lead Child Protection Practitioner for their new Multi-Agency Child Protection Team. The role involves significant responsibility in shaping safeguarding practices, along with direct engagement with partners in health, police, and education to ensure effective protection of children. Ideal candidates will bring extensive frontline experience and a passion for safeguarding, operating within a forward-thinking council committed to employee wellbeing and professional development.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Work Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support Services

Travel Support Options

Qualifications

• Qualified and registered Social Worker.
• At least 3 years of frontline statutory child protection experience.
• Confident in leading investigations and chairing multi-agency meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Section 47 enquiries.
• Chair strategy discussions and child protection conferences.
• Make expert decisions to protect children from harm.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Analytical skills

Knowledge of child protection legislation

Collaboration

Education

Registered Social Worker

Job description

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to become one of Hillingdon’s first Lead Child Protection Practitioners within our newly launched Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT). You’ll work at the heart of a cutting-edge, collaborative service alongside professionals from the police, health, and education to deliver swift, expert responses to complex safeguarding concerns.

As the council’s lead voice on child protection within MACPT, you'll have the autonomy and authority to:

• Lead and coordinate Section 47 enquiries

• Chair strategy discussions and child protection conferences

• Make expert, independent decisions to protect children from harm

• Drive innovation in how child protection is delivered across the borough

This is a unique chance to shape a new model of safeguarding in Hillingdon.

About You

We’re seeking skilled and passionate safeguarding professionals who are ready to step into a specialist, management-level role focused on practice leadership (not line management).

You will be:

• A qualified and registered Social Worker

• Experienced – with at least 3 years in frontline statutory child protection

• Confident in leading investigations, chairing multi-agency meetings, and navigating high-risk cases

• A clear communicator, able to collaborate with multiple partners under pressure

• Knowledgeable in child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding best practice

• Analytical, assertive, and always acting in the best interests of the child

Why Choose Hillingdon?

• A forward-thinking, supportive workplace culture

• A role that gives you true influence in child protection outcomes

• Opportunities to shape service delivery at a borough-wide level

• No traditional line management responsibilities - just pure practice leadership

If you're passionate about safeguarding and want to be part of a transformative team making a real difference, we want to hear from you!

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
  

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject tothe following pre-employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• Professional Registration Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note:Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.