Lead Child Protection Practitioner / LADO

Worcestershire County Council; Bewdley; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Holiday Entitlement

Brilliant Pension Scheme

Professional Learning & Development

Flexible Working

Equality & Diversity

Job summary

Worcestershire County Council in Worcestershire is seeking a Lead Child Protection Practitioner/LADO to lead safeguarding work in a multi-agency hub. You will coordinate planning, risk assessment and decision-making to protect children across the county.

This role requires strong leadership and collaboration with partners. The post entails significant experience as a qualified and registered children's social worker in child protection, with the ability to manage multi-agency meetings and safety

Qualifications

• Qualified and registered children's social worker with experience in child protection.
• Experience leading multi-agency meetings and safety planning.
• Experience handling allegations and risks from individuals who pose a risk to children.
• Ability to advocate for the voice and safety of children in decisions.

Responsibilities

• Work in a multi-agency team to safeguard children across the county.
• Strengthen professional practice and promote reflective learning.
• Develop and review safety plans for vulnerable children.
• Contribute to safeguarding decisions and improve outcomes for families.

Skills

Child protection experience

Multi-agency leadership

Safety planning

Allegations & risk management

Reflective practice

Voice of the child advocacy

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Job Title: Lead Child Protection Practitioner/ LADO

Salary: £48,738 - £51,928 per annum plus £7,000 Market Forces37 Hours per Week

Location: North Worcrestershire or South Worcestershire locations with head office in Worcester City. Team: MACPT HUB

Permanent Worcestershire Children's services - Multi agency Child Protection Team ( MACPT hub).

Help shape the future of child protection in Worcestershire.

Worcestershire Children's services with our partners are developing our Multi Agency Child Prtoetction Hub as part of the national Families First reforms.

We are seeking exceptional Lead Child Protection Practitioners/ Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to join this innovative, partnership -led approach to safeguarding children across the county.

This is an great opportunity to join us and be part of this transformation of how we work togther to safeguard and protect children from risks inside and outside the home.

You will work as part of a multi agency team bringing togther professional expertise, strong relationships and effective decison making to improve outcomes for children and their families.

The successful candidate will have significant experience as a qualified and registered children's Social Worker working in the field of child protection and/or risks outside the home.

You may also have experience of leading and managing multi agency meetings, devise plans of safety and protection for children and reviewing these plans.

You may also have experience of managing allegations and risks from individuals who pose a risk to children.

You will play a key role in strengthening professional practice, promoting reflective learning and ensuring that the voice, lived experience and day to day safety of children remains central to every decision.

For further information please contact: Emma Brittain, Assistant Director: [e-mail]

Benefits:You’ll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage Worcestershire County Council - Why work for us? Children's Workforce Academy

Some of these offers include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff).
  This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days.
  If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.
• Equality & Diversity: The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

Application Closing Date: 15th November 2026

Anticipated Interview Date: TBC November 2026