Part-Time (4 Days / 29 Hours Per Week)
Flexible Working; Primarily Home-Based
Are you looking for a meaningful leadership opportunity in safeguarding with true work-life balance?
Hillingdon Council is seeking a skilled and experienced professional to join us as Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on a one-year fixed term maternity cover basis.
The position is primarily home-based, with minimal in-person attendance required—typically for team/service meetings or supervisions. It’s an ideal role for a safeguarding professional seeking to make a difference, while maintaining flexibility around other commitments.
About the Role
As the LADO for Hillingdon, you will play a central role in protecting children by overseeing the management of allegations against individuals in the children’s workforce. This includes both paid professionals and volunteers across sectors such as education, health, and youth services.
You will also manage the Education Safeguarding Service, which includes direct supervision of two positions:
The Deputy LADO & Child Protection Adviser for Education
The Domestic Abuse Lead for Education
Key responsibilities include:
Managing all referrals relating to allegations against members of the children’s workforce in Hillingdon
Chairing Allegations Against Staff and Volunteers (ASV) meetings
Guiding and advising employers and multi-agency partners on complex safeguarding allegations
Ensuring robust case progression in line with statutory guidance (Working Together 2023, Children Act 2004, London Child Protection Procedures)
Quality assuring investigations to ensure they are co-ordinated, fair and thorough and allow for evidence-based LADO outcomes to be reached, with onward safeguarding being actioned by employers where necessary, for example referrals to the disclosure and barring service (DBS).
Delivering LADO awareness training and contributing to quality assurance and safeguarding strategy across the borough
You’ll also produce an annual report, contribute to safer recruitment and workforce practices, and help shape safeguarding policy through your insight and oversight.
About You
You're a confident, experienced social work professional with substantial experience in complex safeguarding and inter-agency working. You understand the importance of balancing child safety with fair treatment of those subject to allegations—and can guide others through these difficult processes with authority, clarity, and empathy.
You’ll need:
A recognised social work qualification (DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) and registration with Social Work England
Significant experience in managing allegations and/or complex child protection cases
Experience in multi-agency work and chairing safeguarding meetings
In-depth knowledge of current safeguarding legislation and procedures
You’ll also bring:
Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills
Confidence in delivering professional challenge where needed
The ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and keep meticulous records
A positive, proactive approach with a passion for improving outcomes for children
This role offers not just flexibility, but the opportunity to shape safer practice across the children’s workforce in Hillingdon.
Apply now to join a supportive, forward-thinking team in a role that truly makes a difference or get in touch with any queries by emailing the team- lado@hillingdon.gov.uk
On joining our Children’s Social Care team, you’ll be welcomed and made to feel ‘at home’, benefitting from the right tools, skills, and resources. From day one you’ll meet with colleagues across the council who will provide expert guidance and support to succeed and develop your career at Hillingdon - giving you that ‘Hillingdon feeling’.
Our commitment to continuous improvement is also reflected in our dedication to lead, coach, and invest into our people. Whether you’re just about to embark on a career within social care, or aspire to progress into senior roles, we offer clear development pathways to help you achieve your career ambitions.
With access to a wide range of training and learning opportunities (PAMs, AIMs, CGP2, etc.), every day is a ‘learning day’. Partnering with local Universities to offer the ‘Practice Educators programme’ we’re keen to not only enhance the quality of our social care provision, but also supercharge your career!
In addition to a comprehensive career development plan, we offer a range of benefits which include:
Local government average salary pension scheme
From 26 to 34 days annual leave (rising to 37, dependant on length of service)
Free on-site parking when working at our civic centre offices
Career breaks
Hybrid working and flexible working hours
Season ticket loan
Access to a credit union
Access to a wide range of trainings, courses, and other types of professional development
Discount on a variety of adult education courses run by the council
Payment of professional fees where these are required
Discounts at council-owned leisure centres and swimming pools at Hillingdon (Uxbridge), Queensmead (South Ruislip), Highgrove (Ruislip) and Botwell Green (Hayes)
Cycle purchase scheme
Car sharing scheme
30% discount on green fees at council-owned golf courses
If you'd like to arrange an informal chat about this role, please send us an email to recruitment@hillingdon.gov.uk, highlighting your name, contact details, and the name of this role.