Lead Child Protection Practitioner – Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT)
Southampton Children's Services
Be part of the future of child protection.
Southampton is transforming the way we safeguard children.
As part of the Families First reforms, we are establishing a new Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT), bringing together skilled professionals from Children's Services, Police, Health and Education to deliver a more decisive, collaborative and child-centred response when children are at risk of significant harm.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced child protection practitioner to join us as a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, a specialist role at the heart of safeguarding decision‑making. You will be one of Southampton's recognised child protection experts, helping shape practice, drive high standards and ensure children receive the timely protection they need.
As a council we believe that our people should reflect the diversity of our communities, embedding race equity and anti‑racism into our culture, processes and structure to align with our equality mission, and the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standards. Our communities matter, and the children and young people within them are our priority, our mission as a city is to create safer places to live with equal opportunities to grow, thrive and be healthy. The Lead Child Protection Practitioner plays a crucial role to protect and safeguard our vulnerable children and young people.
The Opportunity
This is not a traditional social work role.
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you will be the local authority's decision‑maker within the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team, leading and overseeing child protection activity across Southampton.
You will:
- Lead strategy discussions and oversee and support Section 47 enquiries.
- Analyse complex multi‑agency information and make confident, evidence‑based decisions.
- Chair Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences.
- Produce high‑quality assessments and reports that stand up to scrutiny in child protection and court arenas.
- Work alongside Family Help practitioners to ensure children remain at the centre of planning and intervention.
- Influence and strengthen multi‑agency safeguarding practice across the partnership.
- Be part of a highly skilled team that is redefining child protection practice within Southampton.
This role is for practitioners who enjoy professional challenge, thrive in complex situations and want the opportunity to make decisions that genuinely change children's lives.
About You
You will be an experienced registered social worker with significant recent front‑line child protection experience.
We are looking for someone who:
- Values relational practice with families, with partners and with colleagues
- Has extensive experience leading child protection investigations and statutory safeguarding work.
- Is confident making autonomous decisions in complex and high‑risk situations.
- Can professionally challenge, influence and collaborate with partners.
- Brings exceptional analytical skills and sound judgement.
- Has a strong understanding of legislation, Working Together and current safeguarding research.
- Can engage children, parents and wider family networks with confidence and empathy.
- Is committed to achieving the best outcomes for children through purposeful, relationship‑based practice.
Most importantly, you will be someone who combines expertise with curiosity, confidence with humility, and challenge with compassion.
Why Southampton?
We know that outstanding child protection relies on outstanding practitioners.
In Southampton, we are investing in our workforce, embedding the Families First approach and building services that place relationships, expertise and multi‑agency collaboration at the centre of everything we do.
Joining our new Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team means:
- Helping shape one of the most significant developments in safeguarding practice.
- Working alongside highly skilled professionals from across the partnership.
- Having the autonomy and authority to use your expertise.
- Being part of a service that values innovation, reflective practice and continuous improvement.
- Influencing child protection practice across the whole system.
- Making a lasting difference to the lives of Southampton's children and families.
What we can offer you:
Salary: The salary band for this role is £54,143 - £60,807 per annum. The starting salary is £54,143 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
- Generous holiday 25-31 days, based on role and service
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
For further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)
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Lead Child Protection Practitioner (17046) in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Southampton City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the community. As an Emergency Telecare Advisor, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your growth in a role that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable residents. With a commitment to teamwork and resilience, you'll find a rewarding environment that values compassion and quick decision-making in a dynamic 24/7 service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner (17046) in Southampton
✨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 Southampton City 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 Southampton City Council
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Southampton City 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 Southampton City Council.
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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 Southampton City Council.
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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 Southampton City Council.
