3 Month Contract with A Local Authority Job Summary: Herefordshire Council is seeking an experienced and dedicated Social Worker to join our team as the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). This is a pivotal role in our safeguarding framework, responsible for managing the Position of Trust process for adults working with children when concerns are raised about actual or potential harm. Working in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023), you will lead complex safeguarding matters, engage with a wide range of internal and external partners, and ensure a consistent and robust response to allegations against individuals in positions of trust. You will also provide strategic safeguarding advice, lead multi-agency meetings, and ensure effective oversight and reporting of safeguarding concerns across the county. Key Responsibilities Lead and coordinate the Position of Trust process, responding to concerns or allegations about adults in the children’s workforce who may have caused or pose a risk of harm to children. Chair all multi-agency strategy meetings related to allegations, ensuring they are conducted in line with statutory guidance and local safeguarding procedures. Challenge and escalate, where necessary, decisions made by employers or partner organisations that may not fully safeguard children. Provide expert advice and consultation across the safeguarding partnership, including education, health, police, and voluntary sectors, on interpreting and applying safeguarding policy and best practice. Build and maintain sensitive and collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including:Schools, early years settings, and education providersHealth and police servicesFaith, voluntary, private, and charitable organisations, Internal Council departments and HR teams, Regional and national safeguarding bodies. Prepare and deliver quarterly performance reports, identifying key trends, emerging issues, challenges to existing thinking, and opportunities for learning across the safeguarding sector. Contribute to the development and delivery of multi-agency safeguarding training, ensuring materials reflect current policy, legislation, and lessons learned from case reviews. Ensure accurate and timely case recording using the Council’s client information systems, maintaining up-to-date records on all relevant individuals and safeguarding concerns. Keep senior leadership informed of any cases or developments that may result in significant risk, reputational impact, or public/media interest. Actively promote and comply with the Council’s Health, Wellbeing and Safety at Work, Confidentiality, and Equality and Diversity policies. Essential Requirements: Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work Degree or equivalent qualification. Registered with Social Work England. Substantial experience within Children’s Services, including safeguarding and multi-agency working. In-depth knowledge of: Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023), The role of LADO and managing allegations against individuals in positions of trust, Child protection procedures and legal frameworks Strong chairing, decision-making, and risk assessment skills in complex safeguarding cases. Ability to influence and challenge professionals across all levels and sectors. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing high-quality reports and performance data. Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage a demanding and sensitive workload.