Lead Child Protection Practitioner - Multi-Agency Safety Teams
Location
Barnet
Working pattern
Full-time – 36 hours per week
Working arrangements
Blended
30th Sep, 2026
Incentives
This role includes a Recruitment and Retention supplement of 10% (included within the advertised salary range).
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for Lead Child Protection Practitioners to join Barnet Council's Multi-Agency Safety Teams, leading high-quality practice for children and families who need us most.
In Barnet, the commitment is to creating a culture where practice excellence, strong relationships, and continuous learning underpin everything. A supportive environment is provided in which practitioners can thrive, delivering meaningful, lasting change for children and families. The successful candidate will be part of a specialist team culture that is inclusive, reflective, and focused on continuous improvement, where high support is matched with high challenge.
About the Role
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner (LCPP), the postholder will deliver a consistently high standard of child-centred, strengths-based and relationship-focused safeguarding practice to children, young people and families. Working in partnership with children, families and professionals internal and external to the council, the role leads on section 47 enquiries, investigations, child protection (CP) conferences, and family-led planning and practice, ensuring that all work is timely, analytical, and grounded in the lived experience of the child.
Working collaboratively with partners, the LCPP will champion approaches which keep children safe from harm, build resilience and support families to make sustainable change. The postholder will be supported by a strong workforce development programme, enabling growth as a practitioner while embedding Barnet's values and practice standards. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading on section 47 enquiries, investigations, and child protection conferences
- Delivering child-centred, strengths-based and relationship-focused safeguarding practice
- Championing family-led planning and practice, ensuring children and families are meaningfully involved
- Working collaboratively with multi-agency partners to keep children safe from harm and build family resilience
- Contributing to a reflective, inclusive team culture focused on continuous improvement
What Barnet Council Offers
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Employee wellbeing training programmes including confidential employee assistance
About you
Barnet Council is looking for a passionate and experienced social work professional who is committed to delivering high-quality, equitable services that recognise and respond to diversity within the community. The successful candidate will lead with integrity, curiosity and compassion, in an environment where staff feel valued, supported and appropriately challenged.
The ideal candidate will:
- Hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of legislation, policy, and safeguarding practice, with the ability to apply this confidently in complex situations
- Possess excellent communication skills, leading clear, analytical, and impactful multi‑agency meetings, investigations, assessments and plans
- Have a strong track record of improving outcomes for children and families and influencing multi‑agency partnerships
- Show commitment to relational, strengths-based and restorative practice, ensuring children and families are meaningfully involved
- Demonstrate a passion for delivering high-quality, equitable services that recognise and respond to diversity within the community
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check and stringent safer recruitment procedures.
Barnet Council values diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. The council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants and those with health conditions throughout the recruitment process.
About Barnet
Barnet - in the north-west of London - is the second largest borough by population and home to over 389,000 people.
With 30 flourishing town centres and over 200 family‑friendly parks, nature reserves and greenspaces, Barnet is a brilliant place to live, study, work, and raise a family.
If you think working in Barnet might be for you, then we would love to hear from you. You can arrange to come for a pre-interview visit or call us for an informal chat. You can also find out more about working in Barnet by watching the video below.
We provide members of our children’s services workforce with:
Free Parking
Competitive renumeration packages (including Barnet Flex – talk to us about this)
Access to Pool Cars/Parking Permits
30 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
Work-life balance options may include flexi-time, job-share, homeworking, part-time
Excellent training and development opportunities
Interest-free season travel ticket loan
Cycle to Work Scheme
Relocation package of up to £8,000
Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
Childcare voucher scheme, salary sacrifice scheme
Occupational Health advice/Health and Wellbeing Programme
Employee Assistance Programme
Modern purpose built offices based in the heart of our Community at Colindale, 5 minutes walk from the underground station.
If you have any questions about applying for roles within children's social care at Barnet please contact our recruitment team FS.Recruitment@Barnet.gov.uk
Discover the benefits of a social work career, then browse London's social work jobs!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead Child Protection Practitioner - Multi-Agency Safety Teams employer: London Social Work for Children
Haringey Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and community engagement. With a strong commitment to professional development through the Haringey Academy and access to clinical support, social workers are empowered to make meaningful impacts in the lives of children and families. Located in the dynamic borough of Haringey, employees benefit from a supportive environment, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to be part of a transformative journey towards excellence in children's services.
Contact Details:
London Social Work for Children Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner - Multi-Agency Safety Teams
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like London Social Work for Children often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Social Work for Children
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at London Social Work for Children. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at London Social Work for Children.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at London Social Work for Children.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at London Social Work for Children.
