Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – Sheffield City Council Full Time

Full Job Description

We are looking for a committed professional to join our safeguarding service as a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). In this role, you will play an important part in managing concerns or allegations relating to adults who work with children. You will work closely with partner organisations to make sure safeguarding responses are fair, thorough and always focused on the well-being of children.

This position offers the opportunity to work within a supportive and collaborative environment. You will be part of a service that values professional reflection, shared learning and strong partnership working across agencies. The role also provides regular supervision and the chance to contribute to strengthening safeguarding practice across the wider partnership.

You will become part of a small and experienced team of three LADOs who work closely together to ensure that concerns about adults in positions of trust are handled in a timely, balanced and consistent way. The team has built strong relationships with partner agencies and provides a supportive space where colleagues can discuss cases, share perspectives and learn from each other’s experience.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with colleagues in the LADO team to maintain a consistent approach and support one another in managing the service effectively.

• Contribute to improving LADO processes and procedures by sharing ideas, experience and learning from practice.

• Keep clear and accurate records while supporting service monitoring, data collection and reporting.

• Work in partnership with police, children’s social care, health services, education providers and relevant regulatory bodies.

• Arrange and chair multi-agency meetings where allegations need to be discussed and managed.

• Provide balanced, practical and timely advice to employers and partner agencies dealing with safeguarding concerns.

• Act as the main contact for organisations reporting concerns or allegations about adults working with children.

Job Requirements

• A genuine commitment to safeguarding and a thoughtful, child-centred approach to practice.

• Dedication to reflective practice, partnership working, and ongoing professional learning.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to remain calm and clear when dealing with sensitive or challenging situations.

• Confidence to offer constructive professional challenge when necessary.

• Sound judgement and confidence when managing complex safeguarding situations.

• Experience of chairing, or actively contributing to, multi-agency safeguarding meetings or forums.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to review complex information and make clear, well-reasoned decisions.

• A solid understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice.

• Significant post-qualification experience working in children’s safeguarding.

Benefits

• Options for flexible working arrangements, including reduced hours, part-time roles, and job-share opportunities.

• A standard 37-hour full-time working week that supports a healthy work–life balance.

• Generous annual leave entitlement.

• A supportive and collaborative peer network within the LADO team.

• Opportunities to help shape and influence safeguarding practice across partner organisations.

• Regular supervision, along with reflective professional support, to aid your development.

• Flexible working options, including the opportunity for hybrid working.

Additional Information

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please feel free to contact Ildiko Kiss, Service Manager, at ildiko.kiss@sheffield.gov.uk or by telephone on 07880 251947.

We are committed to investing in our workforce and actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our values, and we are particularly keen to increase representation from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals, so that our workforce better reflects the diverse communities we serve. Explore our website for further job listings.