At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools and colleges in safeguarding children and improving practices.
- Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with diverse partners.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and experience in education or children's services.
The predicted salary is between 51228 - 51228 £ per year.
Salary PO4: £51,228 per annum, rising in annual increments to £54,360 pa inclusive of LW
Job Type: Permanent / Hybrid Working
About Us
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken. It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth.’
About the Team
You’ll be joining a dedicated and supportive Education Safeguarding Team led by an experienced Senior Safeguarding Manager. The team provides expert advice, training, and challenge to schools and settings across Lambeth.
About the Role
This is a key role within Children’s Services, supporting schools, colleges, and early years providers to meet their statutory safeguarding responsibilities and ensure that every child is safe, supported, and able to thrive.
What you will be doing:
- Acting as a key point of contact for safeguarding advice to schools, colleges, and early years settings
- Supporting Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), Headteachers, and governors with complex safeguarding concerns
- Undertaking safeguarding audits and quality assurance activity to ensure compliance with statutory requirements
- Supporting the management of allegations against staff and safer recruitment practices
- Delivering and developing safeguarding training programmes
- Working collaboratively with partners across social care, health, police, and the voluntary sector
- Analysing safeguarding data and supporting continuous improvement across education settings
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children)
- Has experience of working within education, safeguarding, or children’s services
- Can provide clear, confident advice on complex safeguarding issues
- Has experience of audit, quality assurance, or training delivery
- Builds effective relationships and works collaboratively with a wide range of partners
- Is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people
A relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience is essential.
Application Requirements
To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement must clearly evidence how you meet the shortlisting criteria on the personal specification marked ‘A’ for application. You will be required to undertake a Cifas check, and successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Contact Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Deborah Carter, Senior Safeguarding Manager, at dcarter@lambeth.gov.uk.
Equal Opportunities
At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.
Safeguarding Children Manager employer: Borough of Lambeth
Lambeth Council is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant and diverse community of South London, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth. As part of the dedicated Education Safeguarding Team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from a commitment to equal opportunities and continuous improvement. With access to enriching local resources and a strong focus on safeguarding excellence, Lambeth Council is an ideal place for those passionate about child welfare and community development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Children Manager
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Borough of Lambeth.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Borough of Lambeth!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Borough of Lambeth, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Borough of Lambeth or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Children Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Borough of Lambeth:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Borough of Lambeth! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lambeth
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
