Leicestershire -Local Authority Designated Officer - LADO

Location: Leicestershire County Council (Hybrid Working) Role: Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - Safeguarding Hourly Rate: £42.00 per hour (Umbrella) Contract Type: Locum / Agency (Full-Time)

Are you an authoritative safeguarding expert ready to operate at a strategic level to protect children across Leicestershire?

Leicestershire County Council is currently seeking a highly experienced and analytical Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to join our central safeguarding team. This is a critical statutory role responsible for the management and oversight of allegations made against professionals, carers, and volunteers who work with children.

We are looking for a senior practitioner-likely with previous experience as a Team Manager, Child Protection Chair, or IRO-who possesses an expert understanding of safeguarding legislation and the confidence to guide complex multi-agency investigations.

• Managing Allegations: Provide statutory advice, guidance, and oversight for all allegations made against individuals working with children in Leicestershire, ensuring compliance with Working Together to Safeguard Children.

• Chairing Meetings: Convene and chair complex LADO strategy meetings, bringing together employers, HR professionals, police, regulatory bodies (e.g., Ofsted, SWE), and children's social care.

• Multi-Agency Leadership: Work closely with the police and statutory partners to ensure that allegations are investigated thoroughly, fairly, and without unnecessary delay.

• Quality Assurance: Monitor the progress of ongoing investigations, ensuring robust risk assessments are in place to safeguard children while investigations conclude.

• Qualifications: A recognized Social Work degree (BA/MA/BSc/DipSW/CQSW) or equivalent professional qualification.

• Registration: Active and unrestricted registration with Social Work England (SWE).

• Experience: Substantial post-qualifying experience (ideally 5+ years) in statutory children's safeguarding, with a background in complex Child Protection, management, or quality assurance (e.g., IRO, CP Chair, or advanced practitioner).

• Skills: Exceptional analytical ability, strong chairing skills, and the gravitas to challenge and advise senior leaders across various organizations.

• Knowledge: An expert-level understanding of safer recruitment practices and local safeguarding partnership procedures.

• Compliance: An Enhanced DBS (on the update service preferred) and Right to Work in the UK.

• Premium Pay: A highly competitive locum rate of £42.00 per hour, reflecting the seniority and expertise required for this position.

• Strategic Impact: Step away from holding a traditional caseload and use your safeguarding expertise to influence practice on a macro level.

• Supportive Environment: Work within a well-structured safeguarding unit with strong support from senior management.

Take the lead in safer practice and professional safeguarding. If you have the senior expertise, clinical confidence, and multi-agency leadership skills required for this vital role, we want to speak with you.

Apply Now: Please submit your most recent CV detailing your senior safeguarding experience, or contact for a confidential discussion about the LADO position.

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experience

Children services

skills

be able to manage challenging situations

qualifications

college

education

BA in social work