Head of Service - Safeguarding Response

With the rollout of the Families First Partnership Programme creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape services around children, families and communities, there has never been a more exciting time to join St Helens Borough Council.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Service - Safeguarding Response to lead some of the most critical functions within our children's safeguarding system and help drive the next phase of our transformation journey.

Supported by three Service Managers, this influential leadership role has responsibility for the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, Local Authority Designated Officer and the Emergency Duty Team, Multi-Agency Child Protection Team and Complex Safeguarding, Youth Justice and Young People's Drug and Alcohol Team and the St Helens Safeguarding Children Partnership. These services sit at the heart of our response to vulnerability, risk and harm, ensuring children, young people and families receive the right support at the right time.

We are looking for an inspirational, values-driven leader who combines strategic vision with a deep understanding of frontline safeguarding practice. You will provide strong professional leadership across a complex service landscape, championing high standards, driving innovation and strengthening collaboration across agencies. Working alongside senior leaders and key partners across health, education, police, the voluntary sector and wider public services, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering a safeguarding system that is responsive, effective and centred on the needs of children and families.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of leading high-performing services and securing excellent outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. Equally important is your ability to inspire, support and develop others, creating a culture where practice excellence and continuous improvement thrive.

If you are an ambitious, authentic and highly credible leader with the passion, resilience and determination to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you. Help us shape the future of safeguarding in St Helens.

Making a Difference

Whatever stage of your career, working in the public sector puts you at the heart of communities. Our workforce provides services to our resident's day in and day out, making a positive impact on people’s lives. We could not do this without the dedication, professionalism and strength of our workforce. There are so many reasons to choose to work at St Helens Council including the fantastic range of employee benefits and rewards on offer. St Helens Borough Council | Jobs | Search here for your perfect career - Home Page

As a St Helens Council employee, you'll be enrolled in the Merseyside Pension Fund Pension Scheme. Use the calculator to see what your annual pension could be worth based on your salary and length of service. [Try the calculator]

Full Job Description & Person Specification Documents are included with this advert.

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We reserve the right to close the advert early, with sufficient applications. Apply early to avoid disappointment.

St Helens Council is officially recognised as one of the region’s leading fair employers, achieving accredited status under the Liverpool City Combined Authority Fair Employment Charter. The Charter recognises the ongoing commitment to fair pay, secure work, training & progression & staff well-being whilst celebrating employers who go above and beyond for their workforce providing an inclusive and supportive environment.

Equality & Diversity

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection.

All Council employees are required to abide by the ethical standards embodied by the 7 Nolan Principles.

Be scam aware: St Helens Council will never ask applicants to share payment information or charge recruitment fees when applying for vacancies. If in doubt, contact [email removed]

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