Assistant Director of Safeguarding in London
Assistant Director of Safeguarding

Assistant Director of Safeguarding in London

London Full-Time 90000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Havering

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality services, ensuring compliance and driving improvement.
  • 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: Be part of a supportive team that values collaboration, wellbeing, and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ 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

Havering Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its staff, offering a supportive work environment in one of London’s most vibrant boroughs. With flexible working options, generous leave allowances, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a collaborative and innovative culture. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and fosters a sense of belonging.
Havering

Contact Detail:

Havering 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 related to safeguarding and leadership.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for safeguarding! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. We love hearing about your successes and how you’ve driven change in adult social care.

✨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 positive impact in our community.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Safeguarding in London

Strategic Leadership
Adult Safeguarding
Quality Improvement
Compliance with Care Act
Partnership Working
Risk Management
Emotional Intelligence
Change Management
Data Analysis
Financial Oversight
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Service Transformation
Influencing Skills
Resilience
Team Inspiration

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.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.

Show Your Passion for Safeguarding: Let your enthusiasm for safeguarding shine through in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the community and have a strategic vision for improving services.

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 makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

How to prepare for a job interview at Havering

✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and best practices in safeguarding, especially the Care Act and MCA. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your emotional intelligence and resilience, as these are key traits for the Assistant Director role. Think of specific situations where you inspired change or improved quality.

✨Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with Havering Council's goals and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their mission to create a supportive community. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but genuinely want to contribute to their objectives.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to be asked about complex safeguarding scenarios. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these situations. This will demonstrate your ability to manage risk and lead effectively in challenging circumstances.

Assistant Director of Safeguarding in London
Havering
Location: London

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