Employment Type: Temporary / Locum
Duration: 12 Weeks
Start Date: 29th September 2025
Hours: 37 per week
Rate:
PAYE: £30.70 per hour
Limited/Umbrella: £40.00 per hour
Mileage: 45p per mile for business travel
Location: Hereford, Herefordshire
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Social Worker to join a local authority safeguarding team as a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). This is a pivotal role focused on safeguarding children and young people, managing cases where adults in the children’s workforce may have caused, or pose a risk of causing, harm.
You will maintain sensitive relationships across multiple agencies and departments, including schools, early years providers, health services, police, charities, and voluntary organisations. You will also liaise closely with HR services and senior leaders to ensure that safeguarding concerns are effectively managed and communicated.
Key Responsibilities:
Chair meetings regarding allegations against adults in the children’s workforce
Challenge employer decisions that do not adequately safeguard children
Provide guidance across the safeguarding partnership on policy and procedural implementation
Deliver multi-agency training to promote best practice across sectors
Prepare quarterly performance reports highlighting new issues, lessons learned, and areas for improvement
Maintain accurate records on adults who may pose a risk to children
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and confidentiality policies within all areas of responsibility
Essential Requirements
Social Work qualification (degree or equivalent)
Relevant experience in children’s services
Current Social Work England registration
Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance (Working Together 2023)
Excellent communication skills and ability to manage sensitive relationships with a range of stakeholders
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced Social Worker to take a lead role in safeguarding children, supporting multi-agency partnerships, and ensuring robust protection practices are in place over a focused, short-term assignment.
