Local Authority Designated Manager (LADO)
As the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) you will safeguard children and young people across South Gloucestershire, managing safeguarding allegations against individuals in positions of trust, ensuring fair, rigorous handling.
How You'll Make a Difference
This role demands clear thinking, empathy and constructive challenge. You'll support children, families, professionals and organisations through complex processes, protecting the most vulnerable while upholding professional standards.
What You Will Be Doing
* Provide expert advice and guidance on potential LADO referrals.
* Chair multi‑agency Allegation Management meetings and maintain accurate case records, actions and outcomes.
* Liaise with external regulatory bodies on complex cases, ensuring appropriate referrals to professional regulators.
* Offer professional consultation to organisations on complex suitability concerns.
* Deliver training on LADO responsibilities and contribute to wider safeguarding learning.
* Promote awareness of the LADO role across all organisations working with children in South Gloucestershire.
* Actively participate in local and national LADO networks.
* Promote excellent safeguarding practice through collaboration with senior officers, statutory and voluntary agencies, and public forums.
* Manage the Education Safeguarding Adviser, who supports schools and education providers.
* Line‑manage the Business Support Officer who supports the LADO function and contributes to the Strategic Safeguarding team.
What We Need From You
* Professional qualification in social work (MA, BA, DipSW) and current registration with Social Work England.
* Extensive post‑qualification experience in safeguarding and managing social workers or teams.
* In‑depth knowledge of child protection law, guidance and practice, especially Working Together 2023 and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
* Evidence of continuous professional development and sector expertise.
* Proven experience chairing complex multi‑agency safeguarding meetings and progressing plans.
* Strategic thinking, strong decision‑making, ability to influence and collaborate across services.
* Strong relationship‑building skills and ability to embed effective safeguarding solutions.
What You Need To Know
* Travel throughout the authority; must have a full, valid driving licence and access to a vehicle or alternative means of travel.
* Business insurance must be added to your current car insurance policy.
* Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required.
* Primarily a designated office‑based role; flexible and hybrid working can be considered where service delivery allows.
Additional Information
* Successful applicant will commence in post from 30th March 2026, allowing for a transitional handover period with the incumbent LADO.
* Interviews are planned to take place at our Badminton Road Office, on Friday 5th December 2025.
Career At South Gloucestershire Council Is Different
* We welcome applications from everyone and ensure merit‑based selection, promotion and development.
* We invest in the careers of our people and are recognised for quality, breadth and depth of training and development offer.
* Our small local authority allows managers to know staff well, plan services to ensure manageable caseloads and effective supervision.
* We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We are building & shaping communities we are proud of, working with the most vulnerable to help them achieve their potential, investing in schools to ensure every child in South Gloucestershire achieves their full potential.
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