Local Safeguarding Children Board Business Manager

Salary: £56,919 per annum

Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week

Contract: Fixed-term contract from 01/02/2027 – 30/11/2027

Closing date: 21 October 2026

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional leader to guide the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) Business Unit through the next phase of its development.

In this influential role, you will ensure the effective delivery of statutory safeguarding responsibilities while driving the continuous improvement of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements across Somerset. You will lead and develop the Business Unit, oversee partnership resources, champion the voices of children and young people, and work closely with partner organisations to strengthen safeguarding practice and outcomes.

This is a high-profile role across the children's workforce, requiring a strong understanding of the safeguarding agenda and the ability to operate confidently in a fast-paced and complex environment. You will bring significant experience of partnership working and be skilled at building positive and productive relationships with senior leaders and practitioners across health, education, police, social care, and the voluntary, community and private sectors.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping safeguarding arrangements and making a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Somerset.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Coordinate the effective day-to-day operational management of the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership’s work.
• Provide a clear and coherent approach to business planning for the SSCP and including ensuring effective delivery plans for SSCP priorities as set out in the Children and Young People’s Plan.
• Provide expert and impartial professional advice and briefings to the SSCP Executive, the SSCP subgroups, and relevant agencies, on safeguarding issues such as legislation, government guidance and policy.
• Induct new SSCP Members and co-ordinate a programme of ongoing development for the SSCP.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience of working within a safeguarding, children’s services or multi-agency partnership environment.
• Experience of leading strategic planning, business planning and delivery of complex work programmes involving multiple stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children legislation, statutory guidance, policy and best practice, including the requirements of multi-agency safeguarding partnerships.
• Knowledge of Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (LCSPRs), rapid reviews and learning review processes.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Social Work, Education, Health, Criminal Justice, Public Service or related field).
• Evidence of continued professional development in safeguarding, leadership or partnership working.
• Excellent leadership, influencing and partnership-building skills with the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, deliver presentations and provide professional advice to senior stakeholders.

About the Team

The SSCP is a partnership led by Somerset Council, Somerset ICB and Avon and Somerset Constabulary. You will be joining an enthusiastic, multi-disciplinary Business Unit which supports the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership to fulfil its statutory duties, including quality assurance, learning reviews, training and communications.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 33 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• Part-time role, 30 hours per week.
• This is a fixed-term contract covering a period of maternity leave.
• This role offers hybrid working (1-2 days in the office)
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Jane Sprague (Strategic Manager Quality Partnerships) at jane.sprague@somerset.gov.uk or Jasmine Wark (Service Manager SSCP Business Manager) at jasmine.wark@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: NOM0104 Service Manager - Local Safeguarding Children Board Business Manager.pdf

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