Children's Team Manager – Safeguarding

About the role

Our client Barnsley Council is looking for a Children’s Team Manager to lead its Safeguarding team. The post combines strategic development, operational oversight and direct support for vulnerable children, ensuring that services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with statutory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Provide professional and operational leadership for a team of safeguarding staff, including recruitment, training, performance management and personal development.
• Develop, implement and review policies and procedures, contributing to the council’s wider safeguarding strategy.
• Conduct performance management, quality assurance and value-for-money monitoring, taking corrective action where standards fall short.
• Oversee client assessments, risk screening and referral allocation, ensuring case files are managed according to agreed protocols.
• Promote equality of opportunity and eliminate discriminatory practices within the service.
• Offer expert advice to internal and external stakeholders, give evidence in court and manage complex or emergency cases, including out-of-hours support.
• Chair multidisciplinary meetings, manage transition arrangements and ensure ‘Making Safeguarding Personal’ processes are followed.
• Liaise, negotiate and collaborate with a range of partners to resolve conflicts and enhance service delivery.
• Investigate and resolve formal and informal complaints in line with council policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice and authorise expenditure within allocated budgets.

Required profile

• Demonstrated leadership experience in safeguarding, child protection or related social-service environments.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and best-practice frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage performance, quality assurance and budgetary responsibilities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder-engagement and conflict-resolution skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and the principles of ‘Making Safeguarding Personal’.
• Capacity to work under pressure and handle complex, high-risk cases.

Required skills