Locum Safeguarding Team Manager

Team Manager – Children’s Social Work (Localities)

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Children’s Social Work Team Manager to lead the Localities Team at the London Borough of Sutton. This locum position involves managing a dedicated group of social workers and a specialist support worker to deliver high-quality, child-focused interventions. You’ll oversee complex safeguarding work, ensuring the effective delivery of statutory services that promote the safety and wellbeing of children and families across the borough.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of four Social Workers and one Specialist Support Worker within the Localities Service.
• Manage the duty system, ensuring timely response to referrals, emergencies, and safeguarding concerns.
• Oversee and quality-assure assessments under the Children Act 1989, including Section 47 enquiries, Child in Need, and Child Protection cases.
• Chair and participate in strategy meetings, case discussions, and supervision sessions.
• Provide oversight and direction for Public Law Outline (PLO) and court work, ensuring all statutory and procedural requirements are met.
• Monitor performance, compliance, and service standards, supporting staff development through reflective supervision and mentoring.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to deliver coordinated and effective support for children and families.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and local authority objectives through leadership and professional expertise.

About You

 
You are an experienced and motivated leader with a proven background in children’s social care. You bring strong management skills, professional integrity, and the ability to balance operational priorities with staff wellbeing. Your leadership style inspires confidence, encourages accountability, and promotes best practice within your team.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Substantial post-qualification experience in children’s social care, including team management or senior practitioner roles.
• Strong knowledge of statutory frameworks including the Children Act 1989 and associated safeguarding procedures.
• Proven experience managing assessments, strategy meetings, S47 enquiries, Child in Need, Child Protection, PLO, and court work.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage, mentor, and motivate a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: London Borough of Sutton
• Team: Localities Team
• Contract Length: Ongoing
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time

How to Apply

 
If you’re an experienced Social Work Team Manager looking to lead a committed Localities Team within the London Borough of Sutton, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.