Local Authority Designated Officer

We are working with Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council (BCP) who are seeking a skilled and dedicated Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to lead our response to safeguarding concerns against professionals and volunteers. This is a pivotal role in protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that allegations are managed rigorously, fairly and transparently in line with national legislation and local procedures.

Location: BCP Council

Set-up: Hybrid

Rate: £45/hour via umbrella, inside IR35

Duration: Initial 3-month sign-off, likely extension

Hours: Full-time position

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the management of allegations against individuals working with children across all settings, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance and local safeguarding procedures
• Provide expert consultancy and case management advice to internal teams and external agencies, including initial evaluations and decisions on referral thresholds
• Chair multi-agency strategy meetings and ensure effective liaison and timely outcomes across stakeholders, including HR, education, police, and social care
• Monitor, review and report on case progress, ensuring records are accurate, confidential and outcomes are appropriately documented and communicated
• Drive service improvement through policy development, training, and multi-agency collaboration to embed safe practices and strengthen safeguarding culture

Skills & Experience Required:

• Degree in Social Work and current registration with Social Work England, with sustained CPD in safeguarding
• Extensive experience of child protection procedures and managing complex safeguarding cases, particularly involving professionals
• Proven ability to apply legal and policy frameworks to casework, with strong knowledge of Working Together 2013, Children Acts 1989/2004, and Safer Recruitment guidance
• Skilled in multi-agency working, chairing high-stakes meetings, influencing senior stakeholders and managing sensitive information
• Strong strategic, analytical, and communication skills, with experience shaping services, delivering supervision, and driving continuous improvement

At Venn Group, we endeavour to respond to all applications However due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 48 hours please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion