Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

In Stoke-on-Trent we are committed to the welfare of our children and families and we have a bold ambition to improve their lives and life experience. This means that social work practice in Stoke-on-Trent has to be the best and that is why we are investing in a high quality learning and development offer which includes a commitment to:

Restorative and relational practice
Stoke-on-Trent being a Child Friendly city
Hearing the voice of the child and letting that voice have real influence
Links with academics both locally and nationally
The availability of a carefully crafted workforce development offer so you never lose the cutting edge in your practice

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Safeguarding & Quality Assurance Team as the Local Authority Designated Officer. We are looking for a passionate experienced social work practitioner/manager who can undertake these important duties to ensure children and young people are safeguarded. This is an important role which is responsible for managing allegations against people working or volunteering with children. The postholder must be a professionally qualified social worker with significant experience of statutory social work with children and families, including working with adults who pose a risk to children. You will need to know about employment law, HR processes, staff management and be able to work collaboratively with key partners.

What We Offer:

We recognise and reward the dedication of our social work professionals with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Up to 40 days annual leave (including 8 bank holidays)
Option to buy extra annual leave
Flexible and hybrid working for a healthy work-life balance
Relocation allowance of up to £8,000 (subject to policy)
High-quality reflective supervision for continued professional development
Health and wellbeing support for you and your family
Access to staff equality and diversity networks, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment

Why Stoke-on-Trent?

Located in North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent is a city on the rise, known for its strong sense of community, economic growth, and cultural richness. With excellent transport links and a commitment to children and families, this is a place where you can truly make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Join Us and Make an Impact

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and be part of a team that puts children and families at the heart of everything we do, apply now. Your next career milestone starts here at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

For further information or to discuss the role please email

Principal Manager Karen Ireland-Graham

Karen.Ireland-Graham@stoke.gov.uk

Additional Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Stoke-on-Trent City Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this – we therefore encourage applications from all sections of our community. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed together

Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.