At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding practices and support practitioners in making impactful decisions.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, committed to safeguarding and community well-being.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health perks, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career growth and continuous learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in Social Work or Occupational Therapy with safeguarding experience.
The predicted salary is between 48163 - 48163 £ per year.
Job Details
- Post 1: Riverside, 4 Canning Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 OEQ – Hybrid working
- Post 2: West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3YU – Hybrid working
- Salary: £48,163 per annum
- Hours: 37 hours per week – Flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent
Responsibilities
- Provide trusted advice and professional leadership on complex safeguarding concerns, supporting practitioners to think clearly about risk while keeping people at the centre of decision‑making.
- Review practice through quality assurance activity, turning learning into clear improvements that strengthen consistency and impact.
- Lead learning sessions and workshops, supporting professional curiosity, confidence and strengths‑based practice.
- Support practitioners in self‑neglect, defensible risk decisions or CQC assurance, focusing on improving people’s experiences and outcomes.
- Build shared ownership of safeguarding and a culture of openness and continuous improvement across colleagues, partners and providers.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Professional qualification in Social Work (registered with Social Work England) or Occupational Therapy (registered with HCPC), with evidence of ongoing continuous professional development.
- Significant post‑qualification experience, including direct experience of adult safeguarding and working with complex cases involving risk and vulnerability.
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding best practice, with the ability to make sound, defensible decisions.
- Proven experience of providing expert advice, professional leadership and supervision to support and improve practice.
- Experience of quality assurance, practice development or service improvement, using learning, data or audit activity to drive change.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including influencing and supporting others, leading learning or training, and embedding good safeguarding practice.
- Ability to work collaboratively with partners, including health, commissioned and independent sector providers.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and confidently.
- Strong commitment to person‑centred practice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Suffolk County Council’s values.
Benefits
- Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro‑rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
- Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
- Performance‑related annual pay progression, and an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase.
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
- A variety of career development opportunities across the organisation.
- Diverse and active staff networks.
- Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 17 May 2026.
Senior Safeguarding Practice Lead - Hybrid in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With flexible working options, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to continuous improvement, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding practices while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The council fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Safeguarding Practice Lead - Hybrid in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the safeguarding field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to safeguarding practices. Think about how you can showcase your experience with complex cases and your leadership skills. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying directly through us not only gives you a better chance but also shows your commitment to being part of our team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Safeguarding Practice Lead - Hybrid in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your past work in safeguarding. We want to see how you've tackled complex cases and made a real difference.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us see your strengths quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and best practices in safeguarding. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in your previous roles, especially when dealing with complex cases. This shows that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or workshops in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and support others in their professional development. This is crucial for a role that requires building a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
✨Practice Person-Centred Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you keep individuals at the centre of your decision-making process. Share specific instances where you've made defensible risk decisions that prioritised the well-being of those involved. This will demonstrate your commitment to person-centred practice.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent communication skills are key for this role, practice articulating complex information in a straightforward manner. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable presenting your thoughts clearly and confidently.
