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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality services, ensuring compliance and driving innovation.
- Company: Join Havering Council, a community-focused and diverse organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while shaping the future of the borough.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with senior-level experience in adult social care and safeguarding.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a culture that values collaboration and wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 105126 - 114822 £ per year.
Location: Havering
Salary: G14- £105,126 - £114,822pa
Contract: Permanent
DBS: Enhanced DBS required
Havering Council is seeking a strategic and experienced Assistant Director of Safeguarding to lead our adult safeguarding, quality, and complex care functions.
About the Role
- Lead Safeguarding, Quality and Complex Care services.
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Practice Leader.
- Ensure compliance with the Care Act, MCA, DoLS/LPS and national safeguarding requirements.
- Represent the council at MARAC, MAPPA, Community MARAC, PREVENT and lead on PIPOT.
- Chair multi‑agency boards and support the Safeguarding Adults Board.
- Drive quality improvement using data, audit and intelligence.
- Lead cultural change, innovation and service transformation.
- Manage budgets and ensure robust financial and governance oversight.
- Deputise for the Director of Ageing Well.
About You
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Senior‑level experience in Adult Social Care and safeguarding.
- Skilled in influencing, partnership working and managing complex risk.
- Strong leadership skills with emotional intelligence, resilience and strategic vision.
- Able to inspire teams, deliver change and embed high‑quality practice.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- Leadership development and CPD opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts, cycle‑to‑work scheme and lifestyle benefits
Why join Havering
At Havering, you’ll be part of a forward‑thinking, community‑focused organisation that genuinely invests in its people. We’re one of London’s most diverse and fastest‑growing boroughs, offering the unique blend of a supportive, local feel with the ambition and opportunities of a major London authority.
We’re committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can thrive. That means flexible and hybrid working options, professional development pathways, and a culture that values collaboration, wellbeing, and innovation. You’ll join a team that cares about making a real difference to residents’ lives, delivering high‑quality services and shaping the future of our borough.
Whether you’re looking to grow your career, take on new challenges, or contribute to meaningful change, Havering is a place where your ideas are heard, your work is valued, and you can have a tangible, positive impact every day.
Please view Job Profile here
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 29/03/2026, however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early. You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.
Additional Information
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Assistant Director of Safeguarding in London employer: Havering Education Services
Contact Detail:
Havering Education Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Safeguarding in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the safeguarding and social care sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Havering Council and understand their values and priorities. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your leadership and strategic skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safeguarding! During interviews, share stories that highlight your commitment to quality improvement and cultural change. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your emotional intelligence and resilience in complex situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in our community. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Safeguarding in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in safeguarding and leadership, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision: As an Assistant Director of Safeguarding, we want to see your strategic thinking. In your application, share your ideas on driving quality improvement and cultural change within safeguarding services. This will help us envision how you could lead our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure every word counts towards showcasing your suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at Havering Education Services
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and best practices in safeguarding. Familiarise yourself with the Care Act, MCA, DoLS/LPS, and national requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've inspired teams or led change in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your emotional intelligence and strategic vision made a difference.
✨Prepare for Multi-Agency Collaboration
Since you'll be representing the council at various boards and meetings, it's crucial to highlight your experience in partnership working. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with different agencies and managed complex risks in the past.
✨Bring Data to the Table
Quality improvement is key in this role, so come prepared with examples of how you've used data and audits to drive change. Discuss any innovative approaches you've taken to improve services and how you’ve ensured robust financial oversight in your previous positions.