Overview

Nottinghamshire County Council are seeking an experienced social work leader for the post of Head of Service for Strategic Safeguarding. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a range of operational and strategic Social Care services, and to be a systems leader within the Safeguarding Children’s Partnership.

Salary: £62,470 - £69,070 per annum. Type of vacancy: Permanent. Work pattern: Full Time. Hours per week: 37. Work Base: Various council offices. Working Arrangements: Hybrid.

Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead/co-lead safeguarding improvement work including developing and implementing the joint Neglect Strategy for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
• Chair Channel Panel and take a lead role for Children’s Services on the Prevent Agenda to identify and manage risks of radicalisation.
• Play a role in delivering government Children Social Care Reforms and contribute to the Partnership’s governance for the Families First for Children Programme.
• Collaborate with Heads of Service in Help Care and Protection (Social Care) to develop vision for Multi Agency Child Protection Teams and the future of Independent Chairs Service, supported by a project management team.
• Maintain connection to social work practice through operational responsibility for the Managing Allegations Service and the Independent Chair Service, and act as Agency Decision Maker for Adoption and Fostering; chairing secure panels where appropriate.
• Influence practice and contribute as part of a leadership team focused on improving outcomes for children.
• Report to the Director For Children’s Strategic Commissioning and line manage up to 6 Children’s Service Managers.
• Direct responsibility for: Independent Chair Service; Managing Allegations against Professionals Service; Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Business Unit.

Qualifications/Experience

Experienced social work leader with the ability to lead strategic safeguarding initiatives, manage cross-agency partnerships, and champion safeguarding improvements.

Additional Details

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Disabled applicants who meet the essential shortlisting requirements will be guaranteed an interview. A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts. The County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires appropriate checks. Nottinghamshire County Council strives to exceed the Equalities Act and is accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation. Applications are encouraged from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.

Closing Date: 19 October 2025 23:55. Interview date: 10th/13th November 2025.

Job Details

Seniority level: Executive. Employment type: Full-time. Job function: Management and Manufacturing. Industries: Government Administration.

How to Apply

Please contact the current postholder Sam Harris at Sam.Harris@nottscc.co.uk or the recruiting manager Rachel.Miller@nottscc.gov.uk with any questions or to arrange a discussion about the post. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Nottinghamshire County Council.

Note: This description reflects the information provided in the original posting. Location references include Nottinghamshire, England, United Kingdom. Some lines in the source text referred to generic or non-essential marketplace updates and are not included here to maintain focus on the role.