At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding services for vulnerable children and collaborate with partner organisations.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, a modern organisation dedicated to community welfare and employee growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Open to diverse applicants; adjustments available for the application process.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a collaborative and empowering environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and management experience in safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 48700 - 68900 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council - Riverside, Lowestoft, NR33 0EQ £58,270 per annum (pro rata for part time) 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available Permanent As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we\'re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities and families we serve and the careers of our people. That\'s why, when you join us as a County Safeguarding Manager , you\'ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and be empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career. Your role and responsibilities You will: be responsible for the effective delivery of safeguarding services for children in care, those subject to child protection plans and for children who are vulnerable due to criminal and sexual exploitation be part of a countywide service with locations in Ipswich, Bury and Lowestoft continue to work with and embed the Suffolk signs of safety and wellbeing practice framework. The framework is having a positive impact on practice development, effective engagement with families, staff morale and motivation across the service be responsible for maintaining excellent relationships with partner organisations including the Police, Health and Education colleagues in promoting a safeguarding agenda for the most vulnerable older children have the portfolio responsibility for Children in Care and the management of the Local Authority Designated Officer service (subject to review and reallocation). be part of an enthusiastic and capable team of leaders and managers, who are committed to working together, striving to improve and provide the best possible services. If you can join us with the same commitment, then we welcome you to Suffolk, which is a great place to work because of this. You will need: a recognised social work qualification, registration with Social Work England experience at management level to provide a strategic lead and work closely with operational management knowledge of current research and legislation the ability to chair complex multi-disciplinary meetings to bring exceptional writing skills to be able to generate reports and analysis of services to directorate management on safeguarding issues to have considerable experience of children in care and child protection and working with exploited and vulnerable children. You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx) . If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don\'t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. The team The Safeguarding Managers within Suffolk are all experienced and competent managers who bring a strong sense of mission to the important role of ensuring, with operational colleagues, the best possible outcomes for the children with whom they work. You will be responsible for managing a team of five Independent Reviewing Officers and two Local Authority Designated Officers (when portfolio lead for LADO) We will offer you: excellent induction and Suffolk prides itself on our partnership working the opportunity for peer supervision as well as individual supervision from a line manager. a significant opportunity for anyone with management experience who is looking to gain exposure to a very different role but one which builds on the experience that they already have. We are looking for a confident and competent individual who understands how to work in collaboration with colleagues whilst at the same time offering constructive challenge. Empowering Everyone We\'re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We\'re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report For more information Please contact Zoe Sage (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01284 758816 or emailing Zoe.Sage@suffolk.gov.uk How to apply Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx). Step 2 - Click Apply Now\' to start your online application. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template . Give an example of how you\'ve worked with external partners (e.g. Police, Health, Education) to improve outcomes for vulnerable children. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? How do you constructively challenge partners to improve safeguarding practice? Describe your approach to managing and developing a team of experienced professionals such as Independent Reviewing Officers / CP Conference Chairs or Local Authority Designated Officers. How do you support staff wellbeing and resilience in a high-pressure safeguarding environment? The role includes portfolio responsibilities such as Children in Care, LADO, or Child Exploitation. Which of these areas are you most experienced in, and how have you influenced practice or policy in that area? Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412 . If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process. Closing date: 11.30pm, 22 June 2025 Interview date: 7 July 2025 at West Suffolk House This authority 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. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We\'re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities. In return, you\'ll enjoy: up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase training and encouragement to expand your knowledge a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation diverse and active staff networks flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) . #J-18808-Ljbffr
County Safeguarding Manager in Lowestoft employer: Medirest Signature
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to flexible working options, a supportive work culture, and a focus on collaboration, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding vulnerable children. Our comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and diverse career development opportunities, makes Suffolk a rewarding place to build your career.
Contact Details:
Medirest Signature Recruitment Team
Zoe.Sage@suffolk.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land County Safeguarding Manager in Lowestoft
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Suffolk signs of safety and wellbeing practice framework. Understanding this framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the values and practices that are central to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in safeguarding roles, especially those who work within Suffolk County Council or similar organisations. Engaging in conversations with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking of specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully collaborated with external partners like the Police or Health services. This will showcase your ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current legislation and best practices in safeguarding children, particularly around child exploitation and protection. Being well-informed will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to improving safeguarding practices at Suffolk.
We think you need these skills to ace County Safeguarding Manager in Lowestoft
Social Work Qualification
Management Experience
Strategic Leadership
Knowledge of Child Protection Legislation
Multi-Disciplinary Meeting Facilitation
Report Writing Skills
Data Analysis
Experience with Vulnerable Children
Collaboration with External Partners
Team Management
Conflict Resolution
Understanding of Safeguarding Frameworks
Excellent Communication Skills
Staff Wellbeing Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the County Safeguarding Manager position. Review the job description carefully to identify key skills and experiences that you should highlight in your application.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:Use the provided questions to structure your supporting statement. Be specific in your examples, particularly when discussing your experience with external partners and how you've overcome challenges. This is your chance to showcase your problem-solving skills and leadership style.
Tailor Your CV:Ensure your CV reflects the qualifications and experiences relevant to the role. Highlight your management experience, knowledge of safeguarding practices, and any specific achievements in child protection or working with vulnerable children. Remember to remove personal details as instructed.
Proofread and Format:Before submitting, proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your supporting statement and CV are formatted correctly, using either PDF or MS Word format as specified. A well-presented application can make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medirest Signature
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the County Safeguarding Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially regarding safeguarding services for children and collaboration with partner organisations.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to work with external partners like the Police and Health services. Highlight challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare to discuss your approach to managing and developing teams, particularly in high-pressure environments. Share how you've supported staff wellbeing and resilience in previous roles.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, engage actively with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics and the council's approach to safeguarding. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.