Local Authority Designated Officer | Salary £46,142- £51,356 | 37 hours | Full time | Permanent 

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Grade 10 SCP 41-44
Location: Lancashire House, Accrington/Hybrid
Permanent | Full Time

Do you have the expertise, confidence and professional curiosity to help safeguard children and young people across Lancashire?

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join Lancashire County Council's expanding Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Service.

This is a key safeguarding role, providing advice, guidance and oversight in relation to allegations and concerns about adults who work or volunteer with children and young people. Working at the heart of Lancashire's safeguarding partnership arrangements, you will ensure that allegations are managed fairly, consistently and effectively, placing the safety and wellbeing of children at the centre of all decision making. 

About the role

As a Local Authority Designated Officer, you will:

•  Oversee allegations and concerns relating to adults working with children and young people. 
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to schools, colleges, early years settings, health services, voluntary organisations and partner agencies. 
• Chair and contribute to allegations management meetings and other multi-agency safeguarding forums. 
• Work closely with Children's Social Care, MASH, Police, Human Resources professionals and a range of statutory and voluntary sector partners. 
• Monitor and track cases to ensure timely progression and effective outcomes. 
• Support safeguarding practice through training, advice, awareness-raising and professional challenge where required.
• Liaise with regulatory and safeguarding bodies including the Disclosure and Barring Service, Teaching Regulation Agency and other professional regulators. 

About you

We are looking for a skilled safeguarding professional who:

• Has significant experience of working in children's safeguarding services.
• Possesses a strong understanding of managing allegations procedures and statutory safeguarding guidance.
• Can analyse complex information and make balanced, evidence-based decisions.
• Has excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Is confident chairing meetings and influencing across a wide range of agencies.
• Has experience of working collaboratively within multi-agency environments.
• Demonstrates resilience, sound judgement and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.

• A recognised professional qualification in social work.

  The successful candidate will provide oversight, advice and guidance in relation to allegations against adults working with children and young people, ensuring safeguarding concerns are managed effectively, consistently and in line with statutory guidance. The role involves close partnership working with Children's Social Care, Police, schools, employers and other safeguarding partners, alongside chairing allegations management meetings and supporting multi-agency decision making.

  We are seeking an experienced safeguarding professional with excellent communication skills, sound judgement and a strong understanding of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

  For an informal discussion please contact the LADO Team Manager. [email protected] or Senior Manager [email protected]

Why Lancashire?

At Lancashire County Council, safeguarding children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly respected team with a strong reputation for partnership working, professional development and continuous improvement.

In return, we offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
• Generous local government pension scheme.
• A comprehensive package of employee benefits.
• Access to learning, development and career progression opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Our Values

We are committed to being:

Supportive | Innovative | Respectful | Collaborative

We want our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Job Description and Person Specification 

Ready to make a difference?

If you are passionate about safeguarding children and young people and want to play a pivotal role in strengthening Lancashire's response to allegations management, we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate will provide oversight, advice and guidance in relation to allegations against adults working with children and young people, ensuring safeguarding concerns are managed effectively, consistently and in line with statutory guidance. The role involves close partnership working with Children's Social Care, Police, schools, employers and other safeguarding partners, alongside chairing allegations management meetings and supporting multi-agency decision making.

Join Lancashire and help us ensure every child is safe, protected and able to thrive.

For an informal discussion please contact the LADO Team Manager. [email protected] or Senior Manager [email protected]