Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

A Local Authority in Uxbridge is looking for a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on a one-year fixed term maternity cover. The role, primarily home-based, involves managing allegations against the children’s workforce, delivering training, and overseeing safeguarding practices. Candidates should have a social work qualification and substantial safeguarding experience. Apply now to make a meaningful impact in children's safeguarding.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Generous holiday entitlement

Cycle to work scheme

Mental health support services

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in managing allegations and complex child protection cases.
• In-depth knowledge of current safeguarding legislation.
• Experience in drafting reports and contributing to safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage all referrals related to allegations against children’s workforce.
• Chair Allegations Against Staff meetings.
• Deliver LADO awareness training across the borough.

Skills

Complex safeguarding experience

Inter-agency working

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Recognised social work qualification (DipSW, CQSW or equivalent)

Job description

About the role

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – 1-Year Fixed Term Maternity Cover

Part-Time (4 Days / 29 Hours Per Week) | Flexible Working | Primarily Home-Based

Are you looking for a meaningful leadership opportunity in safeguarding with true work-life balance?
Hillingdon Council is seeking a skilled and experienced professional to join us asLocal Authority Designated Officer (LADO)on aone-year fixed term maternity coverbasis.

The position isprimarily home-based, withminimal in-person attendancerequired—typically for team/service meetings or supervisions. It’s an ideal role for a safeguarding professional seeking to make a difference, while maintaining flexibility around other commitments.

About the Role

As the LADO for Hillingdon, you will play a central role in protecting children by overseeing the management of allegations against individuals in the children’s workforce. This includes both paid professionals and volunteers across sectors such as education, health, and youth services.

You willalsomanage theEducation Safeguarding Service, which includes direct supervision oftwo positions:

• The Deputy LADO&Child Protection Adviser for Education

• The Domestic Abuse Lead for Education

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing all referrals relating to allegations against members of the children’s workforce in Hillingdon
• Chairing Allegations Against Staff and Volunteers (ASV) meetings
• Guiding and advising employers and multi-agency partners on complex safeguarding allegations
• Ensuring robust case progression in line with statutory guidance (Working Together 2023, Children Act 2004, London Child Protection Procedures)
• Quality assuring investigations to ensure they are co-ordinated, fair and thorough and allow for evidence-based LADO outcomes to be reached, with onward safeguarding being actioned by employers where necessary, for example referrals to the disclosure and barring service (DBS).

• Delivering LADO awareness training and contributing to quality assurance and safeguarding strategy across the borough

You’ll also produce an annual report, contribute to safer recruitment and workforce practices, and help shape safeguarding policy through your insight and oversight.

About You

You're a confident, experienced social work professional with substantial experience in complex safeguarding and inter-agency working. You understand the importance of balancing child safety with fair treatment of those subject to allegations—and can guide others through these difficult processes with authority, clarity, and empathy.

You’ll need:

• A recognised social work qualification (DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) and registration with Social Work England

• Significant experience in managing allegations and/or complex child protection cases

• Experience in multi-agency work and chairing safeguarding meetings

• In-depth knowledge of current safeguarding legislation and procedures

You’ll also bring:

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills

• Confidence in delivering professional challenge where needed

• The ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and keep meticulous records

• A positive, proactive approach with a passion for improving outcomes for children

This role offers not just flexibility, but the opportunity to shape safer practice across the children’s workforce in Hillingdon.

Apply nowto join a supportive, forward-thinking team in a role that truly makes a difference or get in touch with any queries by emailing the [e-mail]

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.