LADO Operation Manager

Lead the safeguarding response that protects children and young people across two boroughs. As the LADO Operations Manager for Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, you’ll oversee the daily operations of a vital safeguarding service. You’ll use your expertise and judgement to ensure allegations against professionals and volunteers are handled with fairness, consistency and speed - keeping children safe and strengthening confidence in local safeguarding systems.

Working Style

You’ll be based in the Borough for 3 days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you’re working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents’ lives.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the operational delivery of the LADO service across both boroughs, managing day-to-day activity and ensuring that all referrals and consultations are triaged and processed swiftly.
• Manage the duty LADO rota to keep the service running smoothly and always available to respond.
• Chair strategy meetings, coordinate investigations and work closely with partners such as the police, schools, and social care to ensure each case is managed professionally and in line with statutory frameworks.
• Supervise duty LADO officers, supporting them to maintain consistent quality and good practice.
• Oversee case progress, offer guidance, and help partners understand the LADO’s role in coordinating rather than duplicating investigations.
• Collaborate with the Safer Organisations Manager and Senior LADO Lead to develop workshops and awareness materials that promote safer practice across the workforce.

What you’ll bring

• Qualified Social Worker with a CQSW, CSS, DipSW or equivalent qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Substantial post‑qualifying experience delivering LADO or managing allegations responsibilities, with proven skills in people and case management.
• Strong grasp of relevant safeguarding legislation, policy and procedures, including Working Together to Safeguard Children, the London Safeguarding Children Procedures, and LADO statutory guidance.
• Candid interpretation of legislation and the ability to provide clear, professional advice to senior managers and partner agencies.
• Ability to manage high volumes of sensitive work, prioritise effectively and remain calm under pressure.
• Strong communication, analytical and report‑writing skills, and confidence using digital systems to manage information and monitor performance.
• A team player who values collaboration and is motivated by a shared commitment to safeguarding children; experience delivering training or workshops is an advantage.

Why join us

At RBKC, we’re all in – investing in our people, our communities and our future. You’ll join an outstanding service, recognised for its commitment to safeguarding and its culture of professionalism and support. Working alongside experienced social workers, managers and partners, you’ll contribute to a service that truly makes a difference in protecting children and promoting safer organisations. We provide support for professional development with access to specialist training, mentoring and opportunities to learn from colleagues across both boroughs and beyond. You’ll also take part in monthly LADO network meetings to share learning and best practice. We value reflection, wellbeing and continuous improvement – your experience and perspective will be recognised and your ideas encouraged. This is an opportunity to use your leadership and expertise to shape a critical safeguarding function in two vibrant and diverse boroughs.

About us

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough. As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our services, ensuring they are delivered with care and competence, listening to residents, acting with integrity and working together to build a greener, safer and fairer borough.

Interview Details

Interview week commencing 13/04/2026. A Children’s barred list DBS is required for this role.

Ready to join us? We’re all in – are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description.

We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants. We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible. We are committed to fair, transparent, and consistent pay practices. New hires will start at the minimum of the advertised salary range. Employees receive annual salary increases until they reach the top of the pay scale. In addition, employees will receive any agreed cost of living pay rises.