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.
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. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community. 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.’ With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.
About the Team
You’ll be joining a dedicated and supportive Education Safeguarding Team led by an experienced Senior Safeguarding Manager. Working alongside skilled Safeguarding Officers, the team provides expert advice, training, and challenge to schools and settings across Lambeth. It’s a collaborative, high‑performing team with a strong shared commitment to improving safeguarding practice and achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
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. You will work closely with education leaders, safeguarding leads, and multi‑agency partners to support, challenge, and improve safeguarding practice across the borough.
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.
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 in London employer: Lambeth Council
Lambeth Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the vibrant community of South London. With a strong commitment to safeguarding children and improving outcomes for young people, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a diverse workplace culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community. The hybrid working model and focus on employee well-being further enhance the appeal of joining our dedicated Education Safeguarding Team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Children Manager in London
✨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 Lambeth Council.
✨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 Lambeth Council!
✨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 Lambeth Council, 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 Lambeth Council 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 in London
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 Lambeth Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lambeth Council! 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 Lambeth Council
✨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.
