Lead Child Protection Practitioner Jobs in UK 2026 Stockport Council is seeking an experienced and dedicated Lead Child Protection Practitioner to join its newly established Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT). This full-time permanent position offers an excellent opportunity for qualified social workers who are passionate about safeguarding children and improving outcomes for vulnerable families.
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality child protection services while supporting innovative multi-agency safeguarding practices under the Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP). This rewarding position offers a competitive salary ranging from £45,091 to £51,356 per year, along with opportunities for professional development, flexible hybrid working, and career progression within Stockport Council.
Details of Lead Child Protection Practitioner Job:
- Job Title: Lead Child Protection Practitioner Jobs in UK 2026
- Employer: Stockport Council
- Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
- Work Type: Full-Time
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid Working
- Salary: £45,091 – £51,356 per year
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Responsibilities for Lead Child Protection Practitioner Jobs in UK:
- Oversee and assist the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team’s child protection initiatives.
- Evaluate and appropriately address serious harm risks and safeguarding issues.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, social workers, educators, and medical professionals.
- Give knowledgeable counsel and direction on issues pertaining to child protection.
- Assist families with child protection procedures while maintaining the safety of children as the top concern.
- Participate in the creation and execution of safeguarding plans.
- Exchange expertise and best practices among teams.
- As required by law, keep accurate records and reports.
- When practice needs to be improved, question and influence it.
- Encourage children and young people to achieve positive results.
Domestic Abuse Specialist Opportunity:
Applicants may also express interest in the Lead Child Protection Practitioner role with a Domestic Abuse Specialism. This specialist position focuses on supporting children affected by:
- High-risk domestic abuse
- Complex family safeguarding concerns
- Harmful practices
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
- Forced marriage
- So-called honour-based abuse
The role includes contributing to domestic abuse forums and supporting the development of local safeguarding initiatives.
Required Qualifications:
- status as a qualified social worker.
- current Social Work England registration.
- substantial experience working in children’s social care on the front lines of child safety.
- strong familiarity with UK legislative frameworks and child protection laws.
- expertise in handling intricate protection cases.
- outstanding communication skills, both in writing and speaking.
- the capacity to function well in multi-agency settings.
Preferred Skills:
- Advanced risk assessment and safeguarding expertise.
- Strong decision-making abilities.
- Excellent relationship-building skills.
- Experience supporting children experiencing extra-familial harm.
- Ability to mentor and support colleagues.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
Check Also: Community Psychiatric Nurse Jobs in UK
Benefits of Lead Child Protection Practitioner Job:
- Competitive Pay and Financial Stability: Lead Child Protection Practitioners can make between £45,091 and £51,356 a year, which gives them access to public sector pension plans, paid time off, and other benefits provided by local governments.
- Meaningful Impact on Children’s Lives: This role allows professionals to make a direct difference in protecting vulnerable children, helping families, and enhancing long-term outcomes through effective safeguarding interventions and child protection planning.
- Opportunities for Leadership and Career Development: Practitioners have access to leadership development programs, specialized safeguarding programs, advanced training, and chances to grow into senior management or specialized child protection roles.
- Flexible and Hybrid Working Arrangements: To help employees maintain a good work-life balance while still providing high-quality services, several UK authorities offer homeworking opportunities, flexible schedules, and hybrid working options.
- Collaborative Multi-Agency Working atmosphere: In order to foster a supportive atmosphere that promotes knowledge exchange and professional development, professionals collaborate closely with social workers, healthcare providers, schools, police services, and community organizations.
- Comprehensive Employee Support and Well-Being Programs: To encourage long-term job satisfaction and resilience, local authorities offer access to employee assistance programs, mental health resources, well-being initiatives, supervision sessions, and supportive management structures.
Why Join Stockport Council?
Stockport Council is acknowledged as a top local government dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and communities. Strong leadership, a positive work atmosphere, and chances to impact child protection services’ future through creative multi-agency cooperation are all advantages for staff members.
Equal Opportunities:
Stockport Council is dedicated to inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Candidates from various backgrounds are welcome to apply. The council actively promotes flexible work schedules and works to establish a welcoming environment where everyone may be successful.
Application Process for Lead Child Protection Practitioner Jobs in UK 2026:
Interested candidates should submit an online application through the official Stockport Council recruitment portal. Early applications are encouraged as vacancies may close before the advertised deadline if sufficient applications are received.
Is hybrid working available for this position?
Yes, this role offers hybrid working arrangements, combining office-based work at Stopford House with some remote working flexibility, allowing professionals to balance service delivery responsibilities with improved work-life balance and operational effectiveness.
What salary is offered for this position in UK?
The salary for Lead Child Protection Practitioner Jobs in the UK ranges from £45,091 to £51,356 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities, along with additional public sector benefits and pension contributions.
Does this role involve domestic abuse cases support?
Yes, there is a specialist focus option involving domestic abuse cases, including high-risk situations, honor-based abuse, forced marriage, and FGM, requiring advanced understanding of safeguarding and protective planning for affected children.
