Lead Safeguarding Officer

Location: Lynton House, Ilford, IG1

Permanent – Full Time

Redbridge is an ambitious, diverse and exciting east‑London borough. The council is focused on transforming its relationship with local people to support its vision, building communities through excellent schools, affordable housing, open space and rapid transport links.

The London Borough of Redbridge is seeking an experienced Lead Safeguarding Officer to lead the statutory functions of the Local Authority. The role is essential for coordinating quality assurance and overseeing training, learning and development across the multi‑agency network. You will work collaboratively within the School Effectiveness Service and alongside teams in social services, health, schools/education settings and police. You will ensure Redbridge maintains the highest standards of safeguarding children, young people and families, and support Designated Safeguarding Leads in schools by providing expert guidance to partners and agencies.

In this highly effective Local Authority Service you will identify safeguarding needs early, ensure appropriate support is in place, and lead practitioners who look to you for expert guidance and support. A dedicated member of staff will be continually available to respond to safeguarding concerns or issues as they arise, while also undertaking proactive work to promote the wellbeing and safety of children and young people. Regular supervision and support for professional development will be provided through internal and external mechanisms, discussed in monthly development conversations.

Benefits:

• Minimum 28 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 33 after five years)
• Generous pension scheme (up to 19.1% employer contribution)
• Hybrid working (up to 1‑2 days remotely depending on need)
• Enhanced sick pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Training, development and mentoring opportunities
• Staff recognition programmes
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Qualifications:

You must be educated to degree level and hold a recognised professional qualification in a field where safeguarding is a core function, such as social work, teaching or health. Essential experience includes working as a qualified professional with operational safeguarding responsibilities. Excellent IT skills and the ability to interpret and evaluate complex data are required. You should be an assertive, solution‑focused team player committed to delivering and maintaining the highest safeguarding practices. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Work with the Head of School Effectiveness to design and continuously improve safeguarding policies and processes.
• Support the DSL teams in schools and education settings on safeguarding best practices and evaluate competency around risk management.
• Ensure the borough follows best practices and legal requirements for safeguarding, in line with Ofsted/Care Quality Commission registration requirements, including safeguarding audits and participation in wider safeguarding forums.
• Act as the internal safeguarding expert and be the first point of contact, supporting schools/education settings when safeguarding needs are identified.
• Quality‑assure safeguarding referrals and act promptly for identified safeguarding needs.
• Review safeguarding information identified in GP referrals and/or family questionnaires and provide appropriate input; when safeguarding risk is managed externally (e.g., in schools), ensure clarity on where the risk is managed.
• Liaise with families and external agencies when a safeguarding risk is identified and provide support.
• Support risk‑management plans as appropriate.

We are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment and welcome applications from qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, colour, race, religion or belief. This role will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. To apply for this post, complete the online application form and attach your CV and a covering letter addressing how you meet the criteria for the role as stated in the person specification. All short‑listed applicants will need to demonstrate proof of right to work in the UK.