Date: 24 Jun 2026
Location: Taunton, GB, TA1 4DY
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Company: Somerset Council
Child Protection Co-ordinator
Closing date – 8 July 2026
£54,282 per annum inclusive of a £5,000 recruitment allowance until 30/06/2028
Role Purpose
This is a permanent full-time role, 37 hours per week.
33 days Annual Leave
A supportive management and leadership team
You will join Somerset Council’s Children’s, Families and Education directorate, working within a service focused on robust safeguarding and continuous improvement. The team works closely with partners to ensure timely, effective and child-centred outcomes.
Role summary
You will provide strong leadership and professional expertise to drive performance, deliver the Council’s priorities and meet service targets as part of the Senior Management Group.
By leading and motivating teams to deliver the New Operating Model, County Plan and transformation programmes, you will ensure statutory and regulatory duties are met.
Additionally, you will advise Members and Directors on operational planning, policy, commissioning and service delivery, working with partners to deliver high‑quality services.
What you’ll do - key responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership and expert advice in your specialist area, shaping council policy and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Represent the Council at senior level with partners and agencies, promoting and protecting its interests.
Lead commissioning activity and act as Lead Client for services within your area of expertise.
Drive effective partnership working across health, education, police, voluntary sector and other agencies.
Manage major programmes, complex projects and high‑risk casework, delivering improved outcomes for children and young people.
Provide professional leadership, supervision and quality assurance to social work staff, promoting high standards and continuous improvement.
Chair key meetings, reviews and conferences, ensuring clear decisions, timely actions and a strong focus on children’s outcomes.
Maintain oversight of performance, quality standards and practice, using audit and review to drive service improvement.
Engage meaningfully with children, young people and families, ensuring their views inform planning and service development.
Deliver and commission high‑quality training and support the professional development of others in your field.
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
Essential:
Registered Social Worker
Evidence of work related continuing professional development in their specialist field.
Strong knowledge and understanding of the statutory, policy and strategic commissioning framework for specialist services within local government
Ability to develop and implement effective performance management and quality assurance frameworks
Knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity in commissioning and reviewing service delivery
Understanding of, and commitment to, effective customer and community engagement that supports service redesign and change management
Significant experience of working successfully with Members and Directors on complex issues and contributing to strategic direction
Proven track record of operating corporate projects and providing clear advice on policy options and policy development
Demonstrable experience of partnership working, including influencing and leading multi‑agency projects and initiatives, particularly around standard setting and commissioning
Ability to promote and lead change, acting as a positive role model
Positive, committed, adaptable, thorough and confident approach
Ability to work to deadlines and motivate others, demonstrating a clear duty of care
Strong commitment to diversity in service delivery and employment
Innovative and creative approach to service improvement and value for money
Customer‑ and community‑focused mindset
High levels of personal integrity
Self‑motivated with a proactive, “can‑do” attitude
Strong analytical and decision‑making skills when dealing with complex service delivery or policy development issues
Desirable:
Experience of developing and delivering representational and communication activities that successfully convey key messages to the public and internally
Any Additional Information
This post requires travelling across Somerset, the Office base is negotiable.
Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship
For an informal chat about the role please contact Stacey Davis -
[email protected] 