At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure child welfare by coordinating allegations against those in positions of trust.
- Company: Brent Council, committed to safeguarding and community diversity.
- Benefits: Up to 33 days annual leave, excellent pension, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Supportive environment with health and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification, extensive experience with children and families.
The predicted salary is between 61653 - 65181 £ per year.
Salary range: £61,653 - £65,181 p.a. inc. London weighting
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time
The Role
The LADO ensures that allegations against people who work with children, in positions of trust, are co-ordinated and that corresponding welfare concerns, in relation to children involved, are being dealt with without delay. The LADO role also includes providing guidance and consultation to employers/voluntary organisations, liaising with partner agencies and monitoring the swift and fair progression of cases according to statutory requirements.
The role further involves:
- The Local Authority’s statutory compliance with managing allegations
- Providing guidance, advice and training to professionals to manage allegations
- Producing an annual activity report for the Executive Group of the Local Safeguarding Partnerships
- Contributing to the development of local safeguarding procedures
- Undertaking other duties within the Safeguarding and Quality Service, such as chairing Child Protection conferences as and when the need arises
The Person
You will have:
- A Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Extensive post-qualifying experience including statutory work with children and their families as either Practice Consultant or Team Manager
- A working knowledge of Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 and all other relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidance relevant to safeguarding and the role of the LADO
- Experience dealing with complex and challenging allocations, including those with Child Protection plans, LAC status or court allocations
- Experience of multi-agency working and driving good practice
- Ability to produce reports to a high standard
- Experience working in a range of roles across Children and Young People
- Confidence in escalating issues of concerns as appropriate
- Experience of quality assurance including completing high quality audits
Why join us?
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parents, guardians, and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Postings working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
We are a disability confident employer and welcome applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria and provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) employer: Brent Council
Brent Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the welfare of its employees and the community. With generous annual leave, excellent pension contributions, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to achieve a healthy work-life balance while providing ample opportunities for professional development. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Brent, where your expertise will be valued and your growth nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with safeguarding. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about scenarios you've faced in your previous roles and how you handled them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and show off your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for safeguarding! During interviews, share your thoughts on current issues in child protection and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your understanding of the challenges involved.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings and updates there, making it easier for us to connect with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the LADO role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your post-qualifying experience and any relevant statutory work with children. We want to see how you've handled complex cases and multi-agency collaboration.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your responses well so we can easily see your qualifications and experiences without sifting through fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brent Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the key legislation and guidance relevant to safeguarding, especially 'Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026'. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your experience with complex cases and multi-agency working. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Be ready to discuss how the LADO role contributes to child welfare and safeguarding. Show that you understand the importance of co-ordinating allegations and providing guidance to professionals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to safeguarding and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values.
