Are you an experienced safeguarding professional looking for a rewarding role within a dynamic and supportive local authority? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to join our Children and Family Services team, working 18.5 hours per week, to ensure the highest standards of safeguarding are maintained for childrenliving within West Berkshire when an allegation is made against a professional working with children and young people. The Role As the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), you will be responsible for: Working with the Service Manager for Quality Assurance & Safeguarding to ensure that the LADO function is delivered in accordance with statutory requirements and best practice. Ensuring that the Authority fulfils its obligations for managing allegations against staff and volunteers working with children in any setting within the Authority area Collaborating with other agencies to respond to allegations of abuse against staff working with children and young people. Monitoring and reporting on the outcomes of investigations. To provide consultancy and advice to staff within Childrens Services and other agencies in relation to allegations against staff and volunteers and undertake initial evaluations of all allegations reported, producing a record of advice given. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes: Extensive experience and knowledge of safeguarding practices and legislation. Previous experience in a LADO role or similar position is highly desirable. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload. Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity. Why Work for West Berkshire Council? West Berkshire Council offers a range of excellent employment benefits, including: Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance. Access to a wide range of relevant training and professional development opportunities. Local Government Pension Scheme. Family-friendly policies to support your personal and professional commitments. A range of local discounts, offering great savings on shopping, dining, and leisure activities. In addition to these benefits, you will be joining a supportive and collaborative working environment, where your contributions will be valued and recognised. You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 30 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years service. Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Councils Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts. Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career. Equal Opportunities The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. How to apply Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV. This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies. West Berkshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share these values. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Successful candidates will be offered employment subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.