At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team and support families in complex situations.
- Company: Join Tameside Children's Services during a pivotal development phase.
- Benefits: Salary ranges from £51,356 to £54,495 with a professional bar at £52,413.
- Other info: Base location is Tameside One, Ashton-under-Lyne.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Tameside.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and at least 2 years post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 54495 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade J. Scale 40 - £51,356 to Scale 43 - £54,495 with a professional bar at Scale 41 - £52,413
Hours Per Week: 36
Base Location: Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6BH
Assessment Date: 20th & 21st July 2026
Role
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families? Do you bring compassion, curiosity, collaboration, conversation and courage to your practice? If so, Tameside is looking for you. Join us at an exciting time for Tameside Children’s Services as we develop our Multi-Agency Child Protection Team. The Lead Child Protection Practitioner will play an integral role in shaping and strengthening this function.
Key responsibilities
- A recognised social work qualification with significant frontline child protection experience and strong knowledge of statutory frameworks
- Expertise in identifying and responding to all forms of harm, including extra‑familial harm
- Confidence in working collaboratively and effectively with families
- Ability to support multi‑agency partners to understand and address risks within wider community and peer contexts
- A strong commitment to anti‑discriminatory, inclusive practice that reflects and respects diverse family needs
- A clear focus on ensuring the child’s best interests remain central to all decision‑making, including in complex exploitation contexts
About you
You will be an experienced social worker looking to take the next step in your career. As this is a newly developed role, you will be creative, proactive, and responsive in supporting the ongoing development of the service. You will bring passion and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people in Tameside.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with children, families, and multi‑agency partners
- Work collaboratively with partners, while also demonstrating the ability to work independently
- Share your knowledge and experience to help shape and strengthen practice across the team
- Be registered with Social Work England
If you have interest and expertise in one or more of the following areas – domestic abuse, adolescent risk, or supporting pre‑birth assessments – we would be keen to hear from you.
Professional requirements
This post is classified as being in a professional job category. As such the grade for the job has a professional grade development bar which employees can progress through subject to meeting the following criteria.
- Relevant professional qualification for the job role at Level 6 or above AND a management qualification
- Minimum of 2 years post‑qualification experience in the role
- Maintained membership of a regulated body where this is a requirement to practice in the role where applicable
- Professional standards practised to the highest expected level
Other information
This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures.
For further information about this role please contact Kayleigh Treanor, Head of Quality, Practice Assurance and Principal Social Worker on 0161 342 3398 or kayleigh.treanor@tameside.gov.uk
Lead Child Protection Practitioner employer: Tameside Council
Tameside Children's Services offers a competitive salary and a chance to shape child protection practices. Located in Ashton-under-Lyne, the team is dedicated to inclusive practices that respect diverse family needs. Join us to make a significant impact on children's lives.
