- Suffolk County Council - Countywide / Hybrid
- £46,670 - £57,025 per annum (pro rata and also for part time)
- 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available
- Fixed Term or Secondment for up to 6 months
We’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
As a LADO in Suffolk County Council's Safeguarding and Reviewing Officer Service, you will have management and oversight of the entire investigation process following allegations against individuals in positions of trust who work with children, both in the public and private sectors. You will ensure that allegations and concerns are addressed fairly and consistently, reflecting the rights of all individuals involved while prioritising the effective protection of the child. As a self-motivated manager, you will collaborate with another full-time colleague to provide strong leadership and guidance.
In this role, you will be responsible for chairing complex meetings and providing expert advice and guidance to all agencies involved in managing allegations. You will ensure compliance with Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership procedures and maintain clear systems to document all consultations with LADOs, their conclusions, and referrals to statutory bodies. Additionally, you will regularly monitor and report allegations to the Head of Safeguarding and the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership.
What you will need
- Recent experience of managing investigations of allegations concerning people who work with children and young people.
- A relevant Social Work qualification and current Social Work England Registration.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The Team
The LADO role is part of the Safeguarding and Reviewing Officer Service, responsible for managing and overseeing allegations against individuals working with children throughout Suffolk. The role is supported by a strong leadership team, including three County Safeguarding Managers and a Head of Safeguarding.
This position offers an excellent induction program, and Suffolk takes pride in its collaborative partnership working. You will have opportunities for both peer supervision and individual supervision from a line manager.
This role presents a significant opportunity for individuals with management experience who are seeking to gain exposure to a different yet complementary role. We are looking for a confident and competent individual who excels in collaboration with colleagues while also providing constructive challenge.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact Craig Campbell, County Safeguarding Manager, for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01502 674612 (direct line) 07717 302132 (mobile) or emailing craig.campbell@suffolk.gov.uk
To find out more, please visit the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership website (suffolksp.org.uk)
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 21 April 2025.
Interview date: 25 April 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
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, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .