We are seeking dedicated Lead Child Protection Practitioners to join our Multi Agency Child Protection Team. Be at the forefront of safeguarding innovation and shape the future of child protection practice in North Somerset through our newly established Lead Child Protection Practitioner roles.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly skilled social work practitioner to take a leading role in strengthening child protection practice and knowledge across North Somerset.
The Lead Child Protection Practitioner will provide expert oversight, challenge and support across child protection processes, ensuring that children experiencing harm or at risk of significant harm, receive timely, effective and coordinated interventions. Working alongside Team Managers and multi-agency partners, you will drive and deliver excellent practice, be responsible for decision making and drive quality improvement in Family Support and social work practice.
You will play a key role in embedding Family Help reforms, strengthening multi-agency working and ensuring plans are focused on creating meaningful and lasting change for children and their families.
This role combines direct practice leadership with strategic influence and offers an excellent opportunity for experienced practitioners looking to develop specialist expertise while remaining closely connected to frontline practice.
Lead Child Protection Practitioner
Company: North Somerset Council
Salary: £57,679 to £63,637 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: North Somerset
Working pattern: Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 3 Nov 2026
Closing date: 16 Nov 2026
Key Responsibilities
Lead on decision making and chair safeguarding Strategy discussions for North Somerset.
Provide oversight of Section 47 enquires in North Somerset and decision-making regarding child protection planning
Lead and champion family-led planning approaches, ensuring children and families are actively involved in assessment, decision-making and support planning, with interventions that build on strengths, utilise family networks and deliver sustainable improvements in children's safety and wellbeing.
Provide expert advice, consultation and challenge on complex child protection.
Chair Child Protection conferences and drive the quality and effectiveness of child protection planning and review processes.
Promote high-quality assessments, analysis and planning that reflect children's lived experiences.
Strengthen multi-agency collaboration across safeguarding partnerships.
Lead learning from audits, reviews, complaints and safeguarding practice findings.
Coach and mentor social workers to develop practice excellence.
Support consistency and quality across conferences, strategy discussions and child protection pathways.
Contribute to service development, performance improvement and implementation of Family First reforms.
Champion relational, restorative and trauma-informed practice.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Shelley Caldwell, Head of Front Door – shelley.caldwell@n-somerset.gov.uk (07824 085762).
Essential requirements
About YouWe are looking for a passionate and experienced social worker who is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families.Essential CriteriaHold a recognised social work qualification.Be registered with Social Work England.Have significant experience of working with children and families within safeguarding services.Demonstrate expertise in child protection practice, assessment and planning.Have experience of complex decision making and working within multi-agency safeguarding environments.Be able to provide constructive challenge and professional leadership in a supervisory capacity.Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.Demonstrate experience and competence at working as part of a multi agency groupDemonstrate a strong understanding of trauma-informed and relationship-based practice.Be committed to delivering family-led interventions that build on strengths and improve outcomes and drive creative planning to keep children with their families where safe.Desirable CriteriaPractice Educator qualification or equivalent.Experience of quality assurance, audit activity or practice development work.Knowledge of national child protection reforms and Family Help developments.Knowledge of Safeguarding children partnership functionExperience of coaching and mentoring practitioners.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
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Lead Child Protection Practitioner employer: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the voices of children, young people, and families. With a strong commitment to employee development and growth opportunities, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding practices while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community in a vibrant location. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and champions positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner
✨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 North Somerset Council 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 North Somerset Council
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at North Somerset Council. 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 North Somerset Council.
✨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 North Somerset Council.
✨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 North Somerset Council.
