Lead Child Protection Practitioner

Job Title

Lead Child Protection Practitioner

Contract:

Permanent |

Hours:

37 |

Location:

Hereford | Salary: HC10 £ 46,142 – £50,269 + £5,000 market forces supplement (£51,142 – £55,269) | Welcome payment: £10,000 | Relocation support: up to £10,000

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lead Practitioner to join our Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT). This key role sits at the heart of safeguarding, working with partners to ensure timely, effective, and child‑centred responses to risk.

• Provide practice leadership and oversight on complex child protection cases
• Support decision‑making and quality assurance of Section 47 enquiries
• Work closely with partners including police, health, and education to ensure robust multi‑agency safeguarding responses
• Offer coaching, mentoring, and reflective supervision support to social workers
• Participate in strategy discussions and meetings, ensuring clear risk analysis and planning
• Drive continuous improvement and contribute to service development

We are looking for a confident and skilled practitioner who:

• Registered with Social Work England and holding a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or CQSW)
• Has substantial experience in frontline child protection and safeguarding
• Demonstrates strong analytical, risk assessment, and decision‑making skills
• Has experience of multi‑agency working at a strategic and operational level
• Can support and challenge practice to ensure excellent outcomes for children
• Is passionate about developing others and embedding high standards of practice

• Salary range £46,142 – £50,269 per annum
• Market rate supplement £5,000 per annum
• Welcome Payment £10,000
• Relocation package up to £10,000
• Protected time and budget for professional development
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Career progression clear pathways to progress
• Annual Leave 31 days pro‑rata plus bank holidays; optional purchase of additional 10 days per annum
• Flexible working arrangements, including job‑sharing and part‑time options
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 access to support and counselling
• Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
• Access to retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cashback and discounts

If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the application process, please contact e If you are shortlisted for an interview and require accommodations, our Children & Young People Recruitment Team will support you.

The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post:

• Those who indicate that they have a disability – part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme
• Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist – part of our pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant
• Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver – part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving care

All staff, visitors, and volunteers must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. If offered the position, a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre‑employment checks will be required.