At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding services and ensure high standards in Child Protection and LADO functions.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire County Council, a leader in child welfare and safeguarding.
- Benefits: Competitive rate of £500 per day with hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful leadership and strategic direction.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in Children's Social Care and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About the Role
Opus People Solutions is delighted to be supporting Cambridgeshire County Council in the recruitment of an experienced Service Manager - LADO & Independent Chairs on an initial 12-month contract.
This is a key leadership role within the Quality Assurance and Practice Improvement Service, responsible for overseeing statutory safeguarding functions and ensuring the highest standards of practice across Child Protection and LADO services.
The successful candidate will provide operational leadership, professional supervision, quality assurance oversight and strategic direction, ensuring that services continue to meet statutory requirements and deliver positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Working Pattern: Hybrid working arrangements to be discussed
- Contract Length: 12 Months
Key Responsibilities
- Line manage Child Protection Chairs and Local Authority Designated Officers
- Provide regular supervision, support and professional development opportunities.
- Ensure statutory responsibilities are fulfilled to a consistently high standard.
- Maintain effective service delivery and provide leadership across the team.
- Oversee all Initial Child Protection Conference (ICPC) requests.
- Work closely with the Senior Business Officer to ensure ICPCs and Review Child Protection Conferences (RCPCs) are held within statutory timescales.
- Support Child Protection Chairs in managing complex multi-agency conferences.
- Promote high-quality, outcome-focused and SMART Child Protection Plans.
- Identify and escalation areas of practice concern where appropriate, including escalation to senior leadership when required.
- Maintain oversight of all LADO referrals.
- Ensure appropriate threshold decisions are applied consistently.
- Oversee multi-agency responses to allegations against professionals working with children.
- Support effective safeguarding decision-making and risk management.
- Chair Child Protection Conferences when required.
- Chair LADO Allegation Management Meetings where necessary.
- Respond to complaints, enquiries and Freedom of Information requests.
- Ensure continuity of service delivery during periods of absence or increased demand.
- Represent Cambridgeshire at MAPPA Level 3, CDOP and other strategic safeguarding forums.
- Monitor and understand trends relating to Child Protection Plans and safeguarding referrals.
- Analyse safeguarding data and performance information.
- Prepare and present reports to senior leaders, panels and boards.
- Identify emerging themes and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
About You
- Significant experience within Children's Social Care and Safeguarding Services
- Experience managing Child Protection Conference Chairs, Independent Chairs, IROs and/or LADOs
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and Child Protection processes
- Experience chairing complex multi-agency meetings and conferences
- Excellent leadership, quality assurance and service improvement skills
- Experience analysing performance data and presenting findings to senior stakeholders
- The ability to build effective relationships across partner agencies and strategic boards
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
As this role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules
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Service Manager - LADO and Independent Chairs in Cambridge employer: Schools Choice
Schools’ Choice is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. Located at the North Wales Police HQ Canteen in Colwyn Bay, employees benefit from a friendly environment and the opportunity to contribute to the community through quality food service. With flexible part-time hours and a focus on employee growth, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - LADO and Independent Chairs in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Schools Choice, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - LADO and Independent Chairs in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Schools Choice. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Schools Choice. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schools Choice
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Schools Choice.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Service Manager - LADO and Independent Chairs role at Schools Choice, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Schools Choice that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
