Lead Child Protection Practitioner

C&YP Lead Child Protection Practitioner

Job Title: Lead Child Protection Practitioner

Salary: HC10 £ 46,142 - £50,269 plus £5,000 market forces supplement (£51,142 - £55,269)

Welcome payment: £10,000

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37

Location: Hereford

Relocation package: up to £10,000

Closing date: 02/08/2026

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lead Practitioner to join our Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT). This is a key role at the heart of safeguarding, working with partners to ensure timely, effective, and child‑centred responses to risk. You will play a critical role in supporting high‑quality practice, driving performance, and ensuring that children at risk of harm receive the right support at the right time.

As a Lead Practitioner Within The MACPT, You Will:

• Provide practice leadership and oversight on complex child protection cases
• Support the 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
• Be a part of strategy discussions and meetings, ensuring clear risk analysis and planning
• Drive continuous improvement and contribute to service development

• 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.
• Has a minimum of 3 years’ 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 of £46,142 - £50,269 per annum.
• Market rate supplement: £5,000 per annum.
• Welcome Payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance).
• Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000.
• Professional development: protected time and budget to develop yourself and your career.
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
• Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro‑rata) plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 10 days per annum.
• Flexible working: including the potential for job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
• Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
• Access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash‑back and discounts.

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

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

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre‑employment checks.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email: [email protected]. For shortlisted candidates needing adjustments, the Children & Young People Recruitment Team will be happy to support you.