Strategic Lead, Safeguarding & Children Services

The Methodist Church in Britain; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave

Perks and discounts schemes

Job summary

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an experienced senior leader for the Children and Families directorate. The role focuses on safeguarding, child protection, and ensuring timely, proportionate responses to concerns, with responsibilities spanning pre-proceedings, court work, and inspection readiness.

The post requires a social work degree and registration with Social Work England, with a track record of delivering improvements and leading large teams within safeguarding settings.

Qualifications

• Degree-level social work qualification or equivalent.
• Significant senior management experience in children's social care and safeguarding.
• Proven track record of leading large teams and managing substantial budgets.
• Experience of leading services through inspection and regulatory scrutiny.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across safeguarding and child protection services.
• Oversee Support and Protect services, the Multi-Agency Children's Hub and the Emergency Duty Team.
• Ensure statutory responsibilities are delivered effectively and consistently.
• Champion a culture where children's needs are central to decision-making.
• Lead on pre-proceedings and court-related practice and drive continuous improvement.

Education

Degree-level social work qualification

Tools

Social Work England registration

Job description

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an experienced senior leader for the Children and Families directorate. The role focuses on safeguarding, child protection, and ensuring timely, proportionate responses to concerns, with responsibilities spanning pre-proceedings, court work, and inspection readiness.

The post requires a social work degree and registration with Social Work England, with a track record of delivering improvements and leading large teams within safeguarding settings.