At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee allegations against adults working with children and promote safeguarding practices.
- Company: Join Stockport Council, awarded MJ Local Authority of the Year 2025.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding children while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in safeguarding and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25678 - 29082 £ per year.
18.5 hours, Part-Time
Permanent
Hybrid: Grand Central, Stockport and including some homeworking
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026, 11:59pm
Please be aware that we may close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Shortlisting Date: 17 June 2026
Interview Date: 23 June 2026
Interview Type: In person
Your Role
As the Designated Officer for Stockport, you will respond to and oversee allegations against adults who work in a regulated activity with children. You will also contribute to promoting the role across the Safeguarding Partnership to ensure that it is embedded and well understood. You will have a key role in reporting on the activity of the Designated Officer.
About You
- You will be a qualified social worker with significant experience.
- You will have a strong commitment to working restoratively and will be skilled in forming relationships with partners.
- You will have excellent communication skills, both written and oral and will be able to deliver training to others.
- You will have experience of chairing complex meetings, analysing information from multiple sources, assessing risk and formulating plans.
- You will have a sound understanding of the legislation relevant to the Designated Officer role and will be ambitious to achieve excellence in this area of practice.
About Us
The Designated Officer sits within the Safeguarding and Learning Service and alongside colleagues from Workforce Development and the Children and Adult’s Safeguarding Partnerships. You will work with the current Designated Officer who will work part-time and will report to the Service Lead for Safeguarding. We are an enthusiastic, supportive and experienced team and are keen to share our skills and knowledge - and learn new ones too!
If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Eleanor Hirst on Eleanor.hirst@stockport.gov.uk or 07957206756 for an informal discussion about the role.
The successful applicant’s appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances including a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Stockport Council holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not currently qualify.
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers and ex-military personnel. As part of the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme you will therefore be guaranteed an interview if you meet both the criteria for the scheme and the essential job role criteria.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the 'About You' or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application. Please also email recruitment@stockport.gov.uk.
Local Authority Designated Officer in Stockport employer: Stockport Council
Stockport Council is an exceptional employer, recognised as the MJ Local Authority of the Year 2025, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Local Authority Designated Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding children while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model from our Grand Central location in Stockport. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional growth, we encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a rewarding career path for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Authority Designated Officer in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Stockport Council and the Safeguarding Partnership. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to safeguarding and your experience as a social worker. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During the interview, highlight your communication and relationship-building skills. Share specific examples of how you've successfully chaired meetings or trained others, as these are key aspects of the Designated Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Authority Designated Officer in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what being a Local Authority Designated Officer is all about and how your experience fits in. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your communication skills and experience in chairing complex meetings. We want to see how you've used these skills in your previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to safeguarding.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your sentences are easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so let your personality shine through while keeping it professional!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get a lot of applications, so get yours in as soon as you can. Head over to our website to apply and make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockport Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation related to the Designated Officer role. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to safeguarding will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. Think about times when you delivered training or chaired complex meetings, and be ready to share those experiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Restorative Approach
Be prepared to discuss your restorative practices and how you've built relationships with partners in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to work collaboratively and your commitment to a positive approach in safeguarding.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your risk assessment and decision-making skills. Practice articulating your thought process when analysing information from multiple sources and formulating plans.
