Safeguarding Officer in Sheffield

In this role you will assume the role of ‘Case Officer’ for all allocated Child Protection Conferences (CPCs) reporting to the Local Referral Unit Manager and take personal responsibility for the CPC aspects of the case. You will also represent South Yorkshire Police at Child Protection Conferences, attend Strategy meetings and make decisions on behalf of SYP regarding Child Protection Plans.

Key responsibilities

• Assume responsibility as ‘Case Officer’ for all allocated Child Protection Conferences (CPCs) reporting to the Local Referral Unit Manager and take personal responsibility for the CPC aspects of the case whilst the child or children remain the subject of a child protection plan.
• Represent SYP at Child Protection Conferences (as described by the South Yorkshire Child Protection Procedures and ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’) – Initial and Reviews, presenting SYP view and ensuring that Police attendance at CPCs is optimised, prioritising attendance as necessary in consultation with the line manager.
• Attend Strategy meetings.
• Make decisions, on behalf of SYP, about the need for a child protection plan in the best interests of the child after having considered information shared at the conference by police and other agencies.
• Challenge the views of other professionals, irrespective of status or organisation that are clearly inconsistent with SYP values and, in the opinion of the CPCLO, contrary to the child’s best interests and/or the interests of justice.
• To immediately raise with line managers any issues where there remains concern for the safety of a child.
• Review CPC minutes and quality assure actions arising from them.
• For each CPC, ensure the CONNECT record is updated and maintained in accordance with CONNECT Operating procedures.

Skills and experience

• Experience of working in Child Protection.
• Experience of working in a multi-agency environment.
• Experience of attending and participating in meetings.
• Experience in updating and interrogating computer systems.
• Ability to compile reports.

Skills and experience as documented in the role profile need to be evidenced in your application to be considered for interview.

What we offer

• A highly competitive salary and access to a generous pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A wide range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Flexible working arrangements including flexi-time and hybrid working.
• A transparent and collaborative team culture underpinned by our core values of Fairness, Integrity & Trust.
• Comprehensive range of development and leadership courses to develop your career with South Yorkshire Police.
• Employee Assistant Programme (accessible 24/7) offering confidential support and advice.
• Flexible lifestyle benefits such as: Blue Light Card, Company Shop, Cycle to work scheme.
• Membership to the Sports and Social Club.
• Access to a wide range of staff support groups and networks.

Appearance & Standards

South Yorkshire Police is committed to striking a proportionate balance between self-expression and the need to maintain role sensitive professional standards in dress and appearance. Officers, staff, and volunteers of South Yorkshire Police are permitted to have tattoos visible whilst on duty provided the tattoo is not considered to be unacceptable or otherwise inappropriate. Tattoos will be reviewed as part of the recruitment and selection process.

South Yorkshire Police’s overarching aim is to deliver an excellent police service to support safer communities. The public’s assessment of our excellence is influenced by the level of trust and confidence in us, as an organisation and as individuals. In comparison to the general public, police officers and police staff are held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability. In applying to join the police, applicants are accepting of these higher standards and understand the implications on their right to privacy.

South Yorkshire Police’s Key Values

At South Yorkshire Police we have 3 key values which run through everything we do: Fairness, Integrity & Trust.

Smarter ways of Working

South Yorkshire Police is committed to developing working practices which assist staff to balance their personal and professional lives, whilst meeting the needs of the organisation. This in turn enables SYP to provide an outstanding service to the community. There are 3 different categories as part of this which are: Fixed, Field and Hybrid. This role has been evaluated as a hybrid role.

Further information

For further information about the role, please contact Sgt Lucy Richardson.

Closing Date

18th March 2026. Closing dates are not normally extended, other than in exceptional circumstances and agreement is made between the Talent Acquisition Manager and the Line Manager for the role.

Candidate Information

Please note that, should you be successful at the interview stage and before appointment, the relevant pre-employment checks are required. These include references, medical clearance, vetting clearance and sickness absence criteria check.

Diversity & Inclusion

Applications are particularly welcome from female and ethnic minority candidates. It is really important to us that the department represents the community we serve, in order for us to provide the best service, utilising a range of backgrounds, experience and skills. We support and value all officers and staff and the unique experiences they bring to the role. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from these valuable underrepresented groups.

In addition, we will look to support anyone who requires Part Time/Job share working hours.

Internal Candidates

This vacancy is temporary therefore, you must have the support of your current Line Manager to apply. If you are a permanent member of staff, this would be classed as a secondment opportunity. If you are on a fixed term contract, you must contact the Talent Acquisition Team before applying. Please ensure that you and your current line manager complete the attached consent form.

Further Information

This role is offered on a fixed-term basis in accordance with applicable employment legislation and South Yorkshire Police policy. Fixed-term contracts are used where there is a genuine business need, such as project-based work, temporary cover or time-limited funding. The fixed term period is subject to change, linked to the post's requirements and may be subject to extension or early termination in line with appropriate notice period. All fixed-term employees will receive equal treatment and access to opportunities in line with our commitment to fair and inclusive employment practices.