Lead Child Protection Practitioner | Herefordshire Council
£51,142 - £55,269 | £10,000 Welcome Payment | Sponsorship Available
Herefordshire Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Child Protection Practitioner to join its Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) on a permanent basis. This is a key safeguarding role for a practitioner who can lead on complex child protection work, support high standards across the service, and help shape strong multi-agency responses for children at risk.
This opportunity would suit a confident senior practitioner with strong frontline safeguarding experience, excellent risk analysis, and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. Visa sponsorship is available for candidates who require it, with approval already in place.
Role Overview
As a Lead Child Protection Practitioner within the MACPT, you will play a central role in supporting effective safeguarding interventions and driving high-quality practice across complex child protection work. You will work closely with social workers, managers, and partner agencies to ensure children receive timely, robust, and child-centred responses.
Key responsibilities
Provide practice leadership and oversight on complex child protection cases
Support decision-making and quality assurance in relation to Section 47 enquiries
Work closely with partners including Police, Health and Education to ensure effective multi-agency safeguarding responses
Contribute to strategy discussions and meetings, with a clear focus on risk analysis and planning
Offer coaching, mentoring and reflective support to social workers across the service
Support the development of high standards of practice and continuous improvement
Contribute to service development and help shape the next phase of improvement within children’s services
Promote restorative and relational practice in all areas of work
Benefits
Salary: HC10 £46,142 - £50,269
£5,000 market forces supplement
Total package of £51,142 - £55,269
£10,000 welcome payment
Relocation package up to £10,000
31 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Protected time and budget for professional development
Clear career progression pathways
Flexible working options including agile working, part-time hours and job share opportunities
Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support
Payment of professional membership fees where applicable
Access to a wide range of staff discounts and benefits
Requirements
Social Work England registration
Recognised Social Work qualification such as Degree in Social Work, DipSW or CQSW
Significant frontline experience within child protection and safeguarding
Strong analytical, assessment and decision-making skills
Experience of working effectively in multi-agency safeguarding environments
Ability to support, challenge and influence practice to improve outcomes for children
A genuine commitment to developing others and embedding high standards
Candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome to apply
Interested?
If you are an experienced safeguarding practitioner looking for a permanent opportunity where you can influence practice, support complex decision-making and make a genuine difference for children and families, this could be an excellent next step.
To find out more or apply, contact:
Emily Cooper - (phone number removed)
Know someone suitable? We offer a referral bonus for successful recommendations