Description- Suffolk County Council Riverside Lowestoft NR33 0EQ
- 58270per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
As a modern flexible and effective organisation were driven to make a positive difference to the environment the communities and families we serve and the careers of our people. Thats why when you join us as a County Safeguarding Manager youll 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 theSuffolk signs of safety and wellbeingpractice 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 dont 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
Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were 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 ourWorkforce Equality Report
For more information
Please contactZoe Sage (she/her)for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling0 or emailing
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 theSupporting Statement template.
- Give an example of how youve 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 at0 or
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 emailingor calling 0. 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