• Suffolk County Council – Riverside, Lowestoft, NR33 0EQ
• £58,270 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Permanent

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities and families we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as a County Safeguarding Manager, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and be empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

Your role and responsibilities

You will:

• be responsible for the effective delivery of safeguarding services for children in care, those subject to child protection plans and for children who are vulnerable due to criminal and sexual exploitation
• be part of a countywide service with locations in Ipswich, Bury and Lowestoft
• continue to work with and embed the Suffolk signs of safety and wellbeing practice framework. The framework is having a positive impact on practice development, effective engagement with families, staff morale and motivation across the service
• be responsible for maintaining excellent relationships with partner organisations including the Police, Health and Education colleagues in promoting a safeguarding agenda for the most vulnerable older children
• have the portfolio responsibility for Children in Care and the management of the Local Authority Designated Officer service (subject to review and reallocation).
• be part of an enthusiastic and capable team of leaders and managers, who are committed to working together, striving to improve and provide the best possible services. If you can join us with the same commitment, then we welcome you to Suffolk, which is a great place to work because of this.

You will need:

• a recognised social work qualification, registration with Social Work England
• experience at management level
• to provide a strategic lead and work closely with operational management
• knowledge of current research and legislation
• the ability to chair complex multi-disciplinary meetings
• to bring exceptional writing skills to be able to generate reports and analysis of services to directorate management on safeguarding issues
• to have considerable experience of children in care and child protection and working with exploited and vulnerable children.

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 Safeguarding Managers within Suffolk are all experienced and competent managers who bring a strong sense of mission to the important role of ensuring, with operational colleagues, the best possible outcomes for the children with whom they work.
• You will be responsible for managing a team of five Independent Reviewing Officers and two Local Authority Designated Officers (when portfolio lead for LADO)

We will offer you:

• excellent induction and Suffolk prides itself on our partnership working
• the opportunity for peer supervision as well as individual supervision from a line manager.
• a significant opportunity for anyone with management experience who is looking to gain exposure to a very different role but one which builds on the experience that they already have. We are looking for a confident and competent individual who understands how to work in collaboration with colleagues whilst at the same time offering 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

For more information

Please contact Zoe Sage (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01284 758816 or emailing Zoe.Sage@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

• Give an example of how you’ve worked with external partners (e.g. Police, Health, Education) to improve outcomes for vulnerable children. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• How do you constructively challenge partners to improve safeguarding practice?
• Describe your approach to managing and developing a team of experienced professionals such as Independent Reviewing Officers / CP Conference Chairs or Local Authority Designated Officers.
• How do you support staff wellbeing and resilience in a high-pressure safeguarding environment?
• The role includes portfolio responsibilities such as Children in Care, LADO, or Child Exploitation. Which of these areas are you most experienced in, and how have you influenced practice or policy in that area?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk

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.

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.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 22 June 2025

Interview date: 7 July 2025 at West Suffolk House

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).