Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in Telford

We are seeking an experienced safeguarding professional to undertake the role of Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within our IRO, Performance and Quality Assurance Service. This is a pivotal role responsible for managing allegations and concerns relating to individuals who work or volunteer with children. The successful candidate will provide expert advice, guidance and challenge to employers, agencies and professionals, ensuring allegations are managed robustly, fairly and in accordance with statutory guidance and local safeguarding procedures.

The LADO plays a key role in safeguarding children and maintaining public confidence by ensuring concerns regarding people in positions of trust are progressed effectively, proportionately and without delay. The role requires close partnership working with schools, early years settings, health services, police, social care and other partner agencies. You will chair complex allegation management meetings, provide specialist safeguarding consultation, contribute to quality assurance activity and support the continued development of safeguarding policy and practice across the partnership.

About You

You will be an experienced safeguarding practitioner with substantial knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance and multi‑agency safeguarding arrangements. You will possess:

• Significant experience of working within children's safeguarding services.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and allegations management processes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• The ability to analyse complex information and make sound professional decisions.
• Experience of chairing complex multi‑agency meetings and managing professional challenge.
• A commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

Why Telford & Wrekin?

Our recent success is built on the quality, commitment and stability of our workforce. We are proud to have created an environment where practitioners are supported, valued and able to deliver excellent outcomes for children and families. We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Access to a comprehensive employee benefits package.

If you are passionate about safeguarding children and want to make a real difference across the partnership, we would love to hear from you. We believe great services start with great people — and that means building a workforce that reflects our community. At Telford & Wrekin Council, everyone belongs, and every voice matters.

Roles involving children or vulnerable adults will require a criminal records check. It’s an offence to apply if you’re barred from working with these groups. Please note: We do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.