Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Riverside, Lowestoft NR33 0EQ
• Salary: £60,135per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities and families we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as a County Safeguarding Manager, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and be empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

Your role and responsibilities

You will:

• be responsible for the effective delivery of safeguarding services for children in care, those subject to child protection plans and for children who are vulnerable due to criminal and sexual exploitation
• be part of a countywide service with locations in Ipswich, Bury and Lowestoft. This opportunity predominantly covers responsibilities in the North of the County
• work with the Suffolk signs of safety and wellbeing practice framework
• be responsible for maintaining excellent relationships with partner organisations including the Police, Health and Education colleagues in promoting a safeguarding agenda for the most vulnerable older children.
• hold the portfolio responsibility for Children in Care (subject to review & reallocation)
• provide a strategic lead and work closely with operational management.

You will need

• a recognised social work qualification and Social Work England registration
• experience at management level
• knowledge of current research and legislation
• the ability to chair complex multi-disciplinary meetings
• exceptional writing skills to be able to generate reports and analysis of services to directorate management on safeguarding issues
• considerable experience of children in care and child protection and working with exploited and vulnerable children.

We are looking for a confident and competent individual who understands how to work in collaboration with colleagues whilst at the same time offering constructive challenge.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The team

The Safeguarding Managers within Suffolk are all experienced and competent managers who bring a strong sense of mission to the important role of ensuring, with operational colleagues, the best possible outcomes for the children with whom they work. You will be responsible for managing a team of 5 Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Chair’s.

We will offer you

• an excellent induction, where Suffolk prides itself on our partnership working
• the opportunity for peer supervision as well as individual supervision from a line manager
• a significant opportunity for anyone with management experience who is looking to gain exposure to a very different role but one which builds on the experience that they already have.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report

For more information

Please contact Allison Hassey (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07717302309 or emailing Allison.Hassey@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word)

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word)

1. Give an example of how you’ve worked with external partners (e.g. Police, Health, Education) to improve outcomes for vulnerable children. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
2. How do you constructively challenge partners to improve safeguarding practice?
3. Describe your approach to managing and developing a team of experienced professionals such as Independent Reviewing Officers / CP Conference Chairs or Local Authority Designated Officers.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412 You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages

Closing date: 11.30pm, 7 June 2026

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.  #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk)