Lead Child Protection Practitioner

Job Title: Lead Child Protection Practitioner
Location: Luton
Rate: Up to £45
Contract Type: Full-time, Temporary / Interim
Service Area: Children’s Social Care – Child Protection

Make your expertise count where it matters most.
At Luton Borough Council, we are committed to keeping children safe and ensuring they have the best start in life. We’re looking for a highly skilled and decisive Lead Child Protection Practitioner to act as a recognised expert in safeguarding, guiding colleagues and partners to make proportionate, evidence-based decisions that protect children at risk of significant harm.

The Role
As Lead Child Protection Practitioner, you will:

• Hold and manage a caseload of the most complex and high-risk child protection cases.

• Provide expert advice, co-working and mentoring for less experienced Social Workers and practitioners.

• Maintain strong professional oversight and escalate significant issues to managers when appropriate.

• Support multi-agency decision making, ensuring robust and proportionate safeguarding responses.

• Build effective relationships across partner agencies to deliver coordinated services and improved outcomes for children.

• Contribute to the development of new initiatives, policies, and practice improvements across the service.

About You
We are seeking someone who:

• Is a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.

• Has significant demonstrable experience in child protection and safeguarding.

• Brings proven management or senior practitioner experience, including supporting and mentoring staff.

• Has excellent knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice.

• Can thrive in high-pressure environments, making confident, child-centred decisions.

• Works collaboratively and effectively with multi-agency partners.

Why Join Luton?

• Competitive hourly rate up to £45.48.

• A leadership role with a direct impact on safeguarding outcomes.

• Opportunity to shape practice, mentor staff, and influence service-wide improvements.

• Be part of a forward-thinking council, committed to making Luton a place where children can thrive.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to bring your expertise and leadership to Luton Borough Council, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information or to discuss the role informally, please contact Fred on 01635 226 350 or fthomas@sheldon-phillips.com