Job Description
6 month contract role with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The Lead Child Protection Practitioner (LCPP) plays a pivotal role in strengthening child protection practice across the county.
• The post holder leads multi-agency safeguarding decision-making, chairs child protection conferences, and provides independent oversight to ensure high-quality, consistent, and child-focused practice.
• The role focuses on improving outcomes for children by promoting effective planning, robust challenge, and meaningful engagement with families and professionals.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Chair Child Protection Conferences, Strategy Meetings, and Children in Care Reviews in line with statutory timescales and guidance.
• Lead multi-agency decision-making, including Section 47 enquiries and safeguarding planning.
• Provide independent quality assurance and oversight of child protection and care planning processes.
• Ensure the voice of the child and family is central to all decision-making and planning.
• Meet with children, parents, and family networks prior to conferences to support participation and transparency.
• Monitor and track child protection investigations, ensuring timely information sharing and effective preparation for meetings.
• Develop, review, and quality assure Child Protection Plans to ensure clarity, impact, and measurable outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, practice supervisors, and partner agencies to improve safeguarding practice.
• Undertake audits, case reviews, and dip sampling to identify good practice and areas for improvement.
• Provide reflective supervision, consultation, and professional challenge to practitioners and managers.
• Act as LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) for managing allegations against professionals working with children.
• Escalate concerns regarding drift, delay, or poor practice in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Contribute to training, workforce development, and service improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of meetings and decisions in line with organisational standards.
Skills/Experience:
• Qualified Social Worker with a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience.
• Registration with Social Work England and commitment to continuous professional development.
• Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding frameworks.
• Significant experience in child protection, children in care, and multi-agency working.
• Proven ability to chair complex and sensitive meetings effectively.
• Experience of leading strategy discussions and safeguarding investigations.
• Ability to analyse complex information and make evidence-based decisions.
• Skilled in managing conflict and handling emotionally charged situations with professionalism.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience in quality assurance, auditing, and practice improvement.
• Ability to provide expert advice, challenge practice constructively, and support workforce development.
Additional Information:
• Bi-Weekly Payments.
• Full-time, office-based role (37 hours per week).
• Temporary contract for 26 weeks.
• Locations: Grantham, Horncastle, and Louth.
• date: 18 May 2026.
• Pay rate: Umbrella: £359.57 per day
• Candidates must hold a valid UK driving licence and be eligible to work in the UK.
• Enhanced DBS required.
• Interview process includes a presentation (10 minutes preparation and delivery) followed by a formal panel interview.
Requirements
• Qualified Social Worker with a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience. • Registration with Social Work England and commitment to continuous professional development. • Strong knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding frameworks. • Significant experience in child protection, children in care, and multi-agency working. • Proven ability to chair complex and sensitive meetings effectively. • Experience of leading strategy discussions and safeguarding investigations. • Ability to analyse complex information and make evidence-based decisions. • Skilled in managing conflict and handling emotionally charged situations with professionalism. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. • Experience in quality assurance, auditing, and practice improvement. • Ability to provide expert advice, challenge practice constructively, and support workforce development.