Children's Team Manager – Safeguarding

About the role

Bolton Council is looking for a Children’s Team Manager to lead its Safeguarding Team. The role offers the chance to shape safeguarding practice, support social workers and protect vulnerable children and adults in the community.

Key responsibilities

• Provide supervision, support and direction to a team of social workers.
• Manage safeguarding referrals, conduct timely risk assessments and oversee protection investigations.
• Make decisions on complex, high‑risk cases and ensure compliance with legislation and policies.
• Chair and contribute to strategy meetings, case conferences and service reviews.
• Monitor caseloads, performance metrics and quality of practice.
• Support staff development, training and wellbeing initiatives.
• Collaborate with partner agencies including police, health, education and housing services.
• Maintain accurate records, produce required reports and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Contribute to audits, inspections and continuous service improvement.

Required profile

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
• Social work qualification (diploma, degree or equivalent).
• Minimum three years’ experience in a similar safeguarding team.

Required skills

• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures.
• Ability to lead and develop a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong risk assessment and decision‑making capabilities.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate up to £45.
• Recruitment support from a dedicated consultant and after‑care services.
• Free DBS checks, weekly payroll and PAYE options with holiday pay, healthcare and pension.
• Continuous professional development contributions.