Jobs

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Safeguarding Team Manager to lead an operational team within Adult Services. This pivotal role oversees both the Adult Protection and Practice Improvement teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality safeguarding services.

Adult Protection and Practice Improvement sit at the heart of the Safeguarding and Access Service, playing a vital role in protecting vulnerable adults. The teams are well-established and continue to build strong, effective relationships with internal and external partners, coordinating safeguarding enquiries and responding to concerns within care settings.

This is a permanent position (Grade 14) offering an exciting opportunity to shape practice, lead dedicated professionals, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of adults at risk.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As Safeguarding Team Manager, you will work closely with key partners to ensure that vulnerable adults are safeguarded from abuse and neglect. You will have overall responsibility for managing the Adult Protection and Practice Improvement operational teams, including providing supervision, guidance and performance management to Practice Improvement Officers and Adult Protection Lead Officers.

You will play a key role in driving best practice by developing and embedding effective systems, processes and performance frameworks that support high-quality service delivery.

Reporting to the Strategic Manager for Safeguarding and Access, you will ensure robust operational leadership, helping to put effective measures in place to protect adults at risk and continuously improve safeguarding practice.

We welcome informal enquiries about the role. Please contact David Hassall, Safeguarding and Access Operations Manager, at david.hassall@durham.gov.uk to arrange a discussion.
 
WHAT WILL I NEED?
The successful candidate will have experience of managing individuals or teams, along with a strong understanding of current systems and legal frameworks relating to Safeguarding Adults. They will lead the development of the team in line with evolving policy, guidance and strategic priorities, promoting excellence in safeguarding practice. This includes fostering innovative, person-centred approaches that balance risk with the rights, autonomy, views and wishes of adults.

Required Qualifications:

• DipSW or recognised equivalent Social Work Qualification or equivalent in health care i.e. nursing/OT or a Degree in another relevant subject.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. 
  
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure. 

Our commitment to safeguarding 
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought [include this line if relevant - inclusive of a check of the Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.

Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation [include this line if includes barred list check - and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with adults.

INTERVIEWS
Interviews will take place week commencing 29th June 2026.
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website 

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
 
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
 
HOW TO APPLY 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentAHS@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

 
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Company: Durham County Council

Salary: Grade 14 - £50,269 - £54,495

Location: Spennymoor, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant