At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and collaborate with multi-agency teams to protect children.
- Company: Thurrock Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for families and children.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on innovation and partnership.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through collaborative child protection work.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with at least five years' experience in child protection.
The predicted salary is between 55227 - 63675 £ per year.
This is an exciting 12-month fixed-term opportunity to join Thurrock Council's Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) and play a key role in safeguarding children and improving outcomes for families across the borough. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Child Protection Practitioner to provide specialist safeguarding expertise, oversee complex child protection interventions, and drive high-quality multi-agency practice that delivers meaningful and lasting change for children at risk of significant harm.
A key feature of this role is working within our recently established Multi-Agency Child Protection Team, bringing together professionals from children's social care, police, health, education and other safeguarding partners. By working side by side, sharing expertise and providing constructive challenge, we ensure that risks are identified early, decisions are robust, and children receive the coordinated protection and support they need.
About the Role
- Consult with, guide and advise multi-agency practitioners on child protection concerns;
- Oversee multi-agency decision-making and activity relating to child protection plans, drawing on evidence-based insights and consultations with the MACPT, family help lead practitioners and other practitioners, agencies and organisations;
- Chair Child Protection Conferences, Strategy Meetings and other multi-agency safeguarding forums;
- Coordinate effective multi-agency responses to risk and harm;
- Ensure children's wishes, feelings and lived experiences are central to assessment and planning;
- Develop strong working relationships with children and families by undertaking home visits where necessary;
- Build professional relationships with safeguarding partners, involving them in the Child Protection process;
- Undertake quality assurance activities, audits and practice reviews to drive continuous improvement;
- Support workforce development through training, coaching and the sharing of best practice.
About You
- You will be a qualified and experienced social work professional who can demonstrate:
- Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration;
- A minimum of five years' post-qualification experience within Children's Services;
- Significant experience of child protection and safeguarding practice;
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children;
- Experience of chairing complex multi-agency meetings and conferences;
- Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills;
- The confidence to provide constructive challenge and make sound professional decisions in complex situations;
- A commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families.
Why Thurrock?
At Thurrock, we are ambitious for our children and young people. We are committed to creating a culture where children are at the heart of everything we do, where practitioners are supported to develop, and where innovation and collaboration are valued. As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you will be part of a highly collaborative multi-agency safeguarding environment, working alongside police, health, education and other key partners to protect children and strengthen outcomes for families. This integrated approach gives practitioners the opportunity to influence decision-making, share expertise across agencies and be part of a team that is collectively committed to keeping children safe in a way that makes a real difference to the lives of Children and Families.
If you are passionate about safeguarding children and believe that the best outcomes are achieved through strong partnership working, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits of Working with Us
- Generous annual leave entitlement;
- Local Government Pension Scheme;
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable);
- Ongoing training and professional development;
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support;
- Staff discounts and local offers;
- A supportive and inclusive working environment.
Important Dates
- Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 24th September 2026;
- Closing Date (Internal & External): 4th October 2026;
- Interview Date: To Be Confirmed.
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Jenny Read - Children's Business Operations Co-ordinator jxread@thurrock.gov.uk
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document).
Safer Recruitment Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV. If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As an Education Lead Adviser based in Grays, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children while collaborating with dedicated professionals in a multi-agency environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth and community engagement, Thurrock Council provides a rewarding career path for those passionate about safeguarding and educational attainment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Grays
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
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Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Child Protection Practitioner in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Thurrock Council. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Thurrock Council.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Thurrock Council.
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Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Thurrock Council.
