Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative professional to join the Southend Safeguarding Partnership for Children (SSPC) as Children's Lead (Maternity Cover) and help drive improvements in safeguarding outcomes for children and young people across Southend.

This opportunity is offered on a full-time fixed-term basis for 12 months. (Nov ’26 – Nov ’27)

Working alongside the Southend Safeguarding Partnership Business Manager, Independent Scrutineer and Safeguarding Partners, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of the partnership's statutory responsibilities and strategic priorities. You will coordinate multi-agency safeguarding activity, lead on governance and quality assurance processes, support practice reviews and learning activity, oversee performance monitoring arrangements, and contribute to the development and implementation of partnership plans.

This is a varied and rewarding role offering the opportunity to work with partners across local authority, police, health, education, voluntary and community sectors. You will help strengthen local safeguarding arrangements, promote effective multi-agency working, and ensure learning is translated into improved practice and better outcomes for children and families.

To be successful in this role, you will have experience of working within safeguarding, children's services, public services or a related field, together with a sound understanding of multi-agency partnership working and governance.

You will possess excellent communication, engagement and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with a wide range of partners and stakeholders. You will be confident in analysing information, preparing high-quality reports and briefing papers, and supporting strategic planning, service improvement and business development activities.

You will have experience of project management, quality assurance, performance monitoring, audit activity or organisational improvement, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently when required. Experience of supporting partnership boards, statutory safeguarding arrangements, committees or governance structures would be highly advantageous.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience of working within a Safeguarding Children Partnership, Safeguarding Adults Board, Child Safeguarding Practice Review, Serious Case Review, learning review, inspection, audit, performance and quality assurance, or other multi-agency safeguarding environment.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to safeguarding children and young people and be motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through effective partnership leadership and collaboration.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.