Lead Child Protection Practitioner - Leamington Spa

About the Team

A decisive, multi‑agency system where practitioners have the expertise, experience, time and support to identify actual or likely significant harm quickly and accurately and take rapid and effective protective action, whether the harm is inside or outside the home. Work and interventions are meaningful and practice feels clear and compassionate for children, their parents and their family networks. Warwickshire County Council works with Families First teams to support the young people in the County, with locality working and multi‑disciplinary and multi‑agency teams that support the whole family, building strong partnerships with local services, Health, Police and Education.

Our offer includes supportive managers, a robust supervision policy focused on wellbeing and workload, full reimbursement of Social Work England annual fees, a volunteering and wellbeing day in addition to generous annual leave and an additional day at Christmas, and a Refer a Friend package where applicable (Terms and Conditions apply).

We are looking for a full‑time, permanent Lead Child Protection Practitioner to join our new Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team. This role is based in the South of the county, with the office base at Leamington Justice Centre and an expectation to spend time in the South locality offices. You will be part of a team that includes Social Workers, Police Officers, Health colleagues and Education Officers.

You will identify and assess risk, make child protection decisions, and guide families through the process with a supportive and collaborative approach. You will work closely with the Family Help Lead Practitioner and provide consultation, oversight and supervision relating to child protection decision making across the team.

You will:

• Lead Child Protection Meetings, including Strategy Meetings and Child Protection Conferences across all teams.
• Oversee Section 47 enquiries, develop and review child protection plans.
• Provide advice and support to Social Workers, Family Practitioners and students to help develop practice skills.
• Conduct reflective supervision and group sessions within the team.

to download the Why Work for Us Brochure.

Salary:
Up to £53,769 per annum (includes a £3,500 pro‑rated annual market supplement, subject to pension, tax and NI deductions – terms apply).

• A qualified Social Worker with at least 3 years post‑qualification frontline child protection experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of child protection law, statutory requirements and safeguarding practices.
• Ability to work with families, including those showing resistance or hostility.
• Ability to make decisions independently, manage risks, and oversee high‑risk cases.
• Experience supporting staff through complex assessments and casework.
• A collaborative approach, working effectively with other agencies to deliver high‑quality support for children and their families.

Applicants for the role will need a professional Social Work qualification and Social Work England Registration.

Warwickshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. The Fluency Duty is required; you must be able to speak and provide advice in accurate spoken English to the public. This role may require non‑police personnel vetting (NPPV) for access to police premises or information. Applicants will be subject to pre‑engagement checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Warwickshire County Council adheres to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Warwickshire County Council is an equal opportunities employer. If you require application forms in an alternative format or adjustments during the application process, please contact hran

Closing Date: 12 February 2026. Interview Date: 24 February 2026.

To discuss the role, please contact Katie Beaty, ka

We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible; shortlisted candidates may be contacted while the advert remains live.