Local Authority Designated Officer

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Make a Difference to Children's Safety Across Plymouth

Children's safety is everybody's business, and in Plymouth we are committed to ensuring that allegations and concerns about adults who work with children are managed robustly, fairly and consistently.

We are seeking an experienced safeguarding professional to join our Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service as our Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

This is a pivotal role within Children's Services, providing specialist advice, oversight and challenge in relation to allegations against people who work or volunteer with children. Working across the multi-agency partnership, you will ensure concerns are responded to effectively, risks are managed appropriately and children's welfare remains at the centre of all decision-making.

About the Role

As LADO, you will:

• Manage allegations and concerns relating to professionals, volunteers and carers who work with children.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice to schools, early years settings, health services, police, social care providers and voluntary organisations.
• Chair and coordinate complex multi-agency meetings.
• Ensure safeguarding investigations progress in a timely and proportionate way.
• Support employers and partner agencies in managing risk and fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Identify themes, learning and trends to strengthen safeguarding practice across Plymouth.
• Contribute to quality assurance, policy development and safeguarding improvement activity.

About You

You will be an experienced and credible safeguarding professional with:

• A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Significant experience within children's safeguarding services.
• Excellent knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding processes.
• Experience of managing complex and sensitive cases involving professional conduct and safeguarding concerns.
• Strong partnership, communication and influencing skills.
• The ability to provide constructive challenge while maintaining effective working relationships.
• Confidence in making difficult decisions and managing risk.

Why Join Plymouth?

In Plymouth we are ambitious for our children, young people and families. We are committed to creating a culture where good practice thrives, professional curiosity is valued and staff are supported to develop and succeed.

We offer:

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee wellbeing support and assistance programmes.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence safeguarding practice across the city and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK

Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Jennifer.houghton@plymouth.gov.uk

Plymouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an Childrens and Adults Enhanced DBS check.

Be part of a city that is committed to getting it right for children. Apply today.

Closing Date: Sunday 15 November 2026