LADO Operation Manager

Job Description

Lead the safeguarding response that protects children and young people across two boroughs. As the LADO Operations Manager for Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, you’ll oversee the daily operations of a vital safeguarding service. You’ll use your expertise and judgement to ensure allegations against professionals and volunteers are handled with fairness, consistency and speed — keeping children safe and strengthening confidence in local safeguarding systems.

You’ll be based in the Borough for 3 days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you’re working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents’ lives.

You’ll lead the operational delivery of the LADO service across both boroughs, managing day‑to‑day activity and ensuring that all referrals and consultations are triaged and processed swiftly. Every decision you make will play a part in safeguarding children, so your ability to read between the lines, ask the right questions and act decisively will be crucial.

You’ll manage the duty LADO rota, making sure the service runs smoothly and is always available to respond. When allegations arise, you’ll chair strategy meetings, coordinate investigations and work closely with partners such as the police, schools, and social care to ensure each case is managed professionally and in line with statutory frameworks.

Your leadership will extend to supervising duty LADO officers, supporting them to maintain consistent quality and good practice. You’ll oversee case progress, offer guidance, and help partners understand the LADO’s role in coordinating — not duplicating — investigations. Strong communication and expectation management will be key, especially when working with senior stakeholders.

You’ll also collaborate with the Safer Organisations Manager and Senior LADO Lead to develop workshops and awareness materials that promote safer practice across the workforce.

This is a demanding and rewarding role, balancing strategic oversight with hands‑on operational management to ensure children and young people remain protected.

You’ll be a qualified Social Worker with a CQSW, CSS, DipSW or equivalent qualification, and you’ll hold current registration with Social Work England. You’ll have substantial post‑qualifying experience, including delivering LADO or managing allegations responsibilities, alongside proven skills in both people and case management.

Your knowledge will include a strong grasp of relevant safeguarding legislation, policy and procedures — including Working Together to Safeguard Children, the London Safeguarding Children Procedures, and LADO statutory guidance. You’ll be confident interpreting legislation and providing clear, professional advice to senior managers and partner agencies.

You’ll need to manage high volumes of sensitive work, prioritising effectively and remaining calm under pressure. You’ll also be self‑aware, recognising when to seek support and when to take decisive action. Strong communication, analytical and report‑writing skills are essential, as is the ability to use digital systems confidently to manage information and monitor performance.

You’ll be a team player who values collaboration and is motivated by a shared commitment to safeguarding children. Experience in delivering training or workshops will be an advantage.

At RBKC, we’re all in – investing in our people, our communities and our future. You’ll join an Outstanding service, recognised for its commitment to safeguarding and its culture of professionalism and support.

We’ll support your professional development with access to specialist training, mentoring and opportunities to learn from colleagues across both boroughs and beyond. You’ll also take part in monthly LADO network meetings to share learning and best practice.

You’ll be part of a team that values reflection, wellbeing and continuous improvement — where your experience and perspective will be recognised and your ideas encouraged. This is an opportunity to use your leadership…