C‑SPOC Education Lead (Permanent)

About the role

The Southend Council is seeking a dedicated C‑SPOC Education Lead to join its Children’s Single Point of Contact (C‑SPOC) and Multi‑Agency Child Protection Team. This permanent, full‑time position provides expert education insight to ensure child‑centred safeguarding decisions are informed by robust educational data.

Key responsibilities

• Integrate education perspectives into multi‑agency risk, need and protection assessments for children aged 0‑18.
• Gather, analyse and interpret education‑based information such as attendance, exclusion, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Apply safeguarding thresholds and contribute to statutory child protection processes, including Section 47 enquiries.
• Maintain effective relationships with a wide range of education providers and professionals across Southend.
• Provide specialist advice on a child’s lived experience within education settings during strategy discussions and investigations.

Required profile

• Recognised education qualification at Level 6 or above (e.g., Qualified Teacher Status).
• Recent, relevant experience in safeguarding leadership within an education setting (e.g., Designated Safeguarding Lead).
• Strong knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance such as Working Together to Safeguard Children, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and the Children Acts 1989 & 2004.
• Proven ability to critically analyse complex safeguarding information and present clear, defensible recommendations in multi‑agency contexts.

Required skills

What we offer

• 25 days annual leave and flexible working arrangements.
• Hybrid working – minimum three days per week on‑site at the Civic Centre.
• Excellent training and development opportunities to support you in this challenging role.