At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives and ensure the safety of children and families in Redbridge.
- Company: Join a dynamic council committed to community transformation and safeguarding excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, hybrid working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse workplace with a commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and professional safeguarding experience required.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 46000 £ per year.
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.
Lead Safeguarding Officer in London employer: London Borough of Redbridge
The London Borough of Redbridge is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises the wellbeing and safety of children and young people. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and hybrid working options, employees are supported in their roles while contributing to a diverse and inclusive community. Join us in making a meaningful impact in safeguarding practices across our borough, where your expertise will be valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Redbridge Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Safeguarding Officer 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 London Borough of Redbridge.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨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 London Borough of Redbridge 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 Lead Safeguarding Officer 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 London Borough of Redbridge:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Redbridge! 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 London Borough of Redbridge
✨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.
