Local Authority Designated Officer
Local Authority Designated Officer

Local Authority Designated Officer

Macclesfield Full-Time 40000 - 53000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage allegations against individuals working with children and provide expert consultation.
  • Company: Join Cheshire East Council's Children's Services, dedicated to safeguarding and quality assurance.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vital role in child safeguarding, working with passionate professionals in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with experience in LADO or senior safeguarding roles.
  • Other info: This position requires a DBS check due to its sensitive nature.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 53000 £ per year.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Job Summary
Contract Type:
Permanent
Working Hours:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
11/3/2025
Advert End closing Date:
Closed for applications on 8/4/2025 23:59
Salary:
Grade 11, SCP 35 to 40
£46,581 to £53,289
Weekly Hours:
37 hrs Monday to Friday
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the recruitment of an additional full time LADO in Cheshire East Council Children\’s Services, to deliver the statutory functions of the Designated Officer role in line with Working Together.
As LADO, you will have responsibility for the management of allegations against people in a position of trust who work with children under 18 in a paid or voluntary capacity, you will also provide consultation, oversight and management of wider risk in the context of child safeguarding and extra familial harm including that relating to historical allegations and investigations.
You will be required to chair allegations management meetings and provide advice, guidance, support and challenge to employers, partner agencies and organisations regarding employees who face such allegations.
This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Cheshire East LADO\’s sits within Safeguarding and Quality Assurance alongside Independent Chairs ( IRO\’s) who have a role of chairing statutory Child Protection Conferences and Child in Care Reviews.
You will be a qualified, accomplished and confident Social Worker with demonstrable recent in LADO or senior child safeguarding roles. You will have a proven ability to strategically manage risk and complex investigations whilst driving forward improvements in service delivery.
You must be able to work with a level of professional responsibility and autonomy and be able to deal with complex situations that span child safeguarding, employment and HR processes. You will evidence that you can manage this in tandem with professional partners, regulatory and professional bodies.
For an informal conversation about the role please contact Lisa Cook on

Local Authority Designated Officer employer: Cheshire East Council

Cheshire East Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As a Local Authority Designated Officer, you will benefit from a collaborative environment where your expertise in child safeguarding is valued, alongside opportunities for continuous learning and growth within a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in the community.
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Contact Detail:

Cheshire East Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Local Authority Designated Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the statutory functions of a Local Authority Designated Officer. Understanding the legal framework and guidelines, such as 'Working Together', will help you demonstrate your knowledge during discussions with potential employers.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in child safeguarding roles. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others in the field, which can provide insights into the role and may lead to valuable referrals or recommendations.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for potential interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences in managing allegations and complex investigations. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you demonstrated your ability to handle sensitive situations effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Reach out to current or former LADO professionals for informational interviews. Gaining first-hand insights about their day-to-day responsibilities and challenges can help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest in the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Local Authority Designated Officer

Child Safeguarding Knowledge
Risk Management
Investigation Skills
Allegations Management
Consultation Skills
Communication Skills
Leadership Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Employment Law
Collaboration with Partner Agencies
Chairing Meetings
Professional Autonomy
Emotional Resilience
Knowledge of Regulatory Frameworks

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Local Authority Designated Officer. Familiarise yourself with the statutory functions and the context of child safeguarding to tailor your application effectively.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in child safeguarding and any previous roles related to LADO or senior child safeguarding positions. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage complex investigations and risk.

Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills in strategic management, professional responsibility, and working with various stakeholders. Mention your ability to chair meetings and provide guidance, as these are crucial for the role.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A well-presented application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which is essential for this position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cheshire East Council

✨Understand the Role Thoroughly

Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the LADO role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation, such as 'Working Together', and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these requirements.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle complex situations involving child safeguarding. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed similar challenges and be ready to articulate your thought process.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a LADO, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership and management skills. Be prepared to discuss instances where you've led teams or projects, particularly in high-pressure environments, and how you ensured effective collaboration among stakeholders.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, current challenges faced by the LADO service, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.

Local Authority Designated Officer
Cheshire East Council
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  • Local Authority Designated Officer

    Macclesfield
    Full-Time
    40000 - 53000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-13

  • C

    Cheshire East Council

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