Closing date: 19 May 2026
Salary: £54,282 per annum inclusive of a recruitment allowance until 30/06/2028
This senior specialist role provides expert leadership across safeguarding and review functions to ensure children are safe and well supported. The postholder offers independent challenge, drives high‑quality practice, and supports effective decision‑making across children’s services.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and deliver specialist LADO and/or ISRO functions, overseeing highly complex safeguarding work.
* Chair statutory and multi‑agency meetings, ensuring decisions are child‑focused and acted upon.
* Provide independent scrutiny, quality assurance and escalation where practice needs improvement.
* Support, supervise and develop social work staff, promoting learning and best practice.
* Build strong partnerships with internal teams and external agencies.
Essential Skills and Experience
You must be a qualified Social Worker and be registered with Social Work England. Extensive safeguarding and children’s social care experience, with strong knowledge of statutory frameworks. Confidence in leading complex casework, providing professional challenge, and influencing senior leaders and partners.
About the Team / Service
You will join Somerset Council’s Children’s, Families and Education directorate, working within a service focused on robust safeguarding and continuous improvement. The team works closely with partners to ensure timely, effective and child‑centred outcomes.
Additional Information
For an informal discussion please contact Rachel.Bovingdon@somerset.gov.uk.
The post requires travel across Somerset and the office base is negotiable. Somerset Council operates a Dynamic Working approach, supporting flexible and collaborative ways of working. A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
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