Safeguarding Lead Practitioner

Make a real difference in your community

Do you have substantial post-qualification experience in children and families social work, including safeguarding and child protection? Are you passionate about making a real difference for vulnerable children, adults and families?

At Aquarius
, part of Waythrough, we support people and communities to overcome the harms caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling. We're looking for an experienced and confident Safeguarding Lead Practitioner to provide expert safeguarding guidance, training and support across our services.

As our Safeguarding Lead Practitioner, you'll play a key role in promoting best practice, supporting colleagues with complex safeguarding concerns, and working closely with multi‑agency partners to protect children and adults at risk.

• Provide expert advice, supervision and training on safeguarding matters
• Support staff with risk assessment, escalation and safeguarding decision‑making
• Attend and contribute to multi‑agency safeguarding meetings
• Develop strong relationships with statutory and voluntary sector partners
• Keep teams up to date with local and national safeguarding developments
• Represent Aquarius at strategic safeguarding forums across the region

We're looking for a qualified social worker (CQSW, DipSW, CSS or equivalent) with significant experience in children's social work, safeguarding and child protection.

• Extensive knowledge of child and adult safeguarding legislation and frameworks
• Experience assessing and managing safeguarding risk
• Strong multi‑agency working and partnership skills
• Experience delivering training and supporting professional development
• Excellent decision‑making, communication and report‑writing skills
• The ability to work confidently in a fast‑paced environment and manage competing priorities

This is an opportunity to influence safeguarding practice across a diverse range of services, including substance misuse, gambling and mental health support. You'll be part of a collaborative organisation undergoing an exciting period of growth and development, with opportunities to contribute strategically and develop your expertise across children, young people and adult safeguarding.

If you're ready to use your safeguarding expertise to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note:

The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
• Life assurance (3× annual salary)
• Enhanced sick pay and family‑friendly pay
• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
• £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
• Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme – all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team:
recru