Location
London Borough of Sutton

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£67,575 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Located in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough is known for high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and local developments.

Sutton is committed to investing in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to become the world’s leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment. This vision is expected to create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. With ongoing regeneration including new homes and schools, Sutton is passionate about supporting residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.

The Council is a key driver within the South London Partnership, focusing on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment across five outer south west London boroughs. Sutton strives to improve services and spaces for residents, shaping the borough’s future to make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
At the London Borough of Sutton, the well-being, safety, and protection of residents are central to everything we do. Our Adult Social Care team is passionate about elevating safeguarding standards to ensure residents receive the right care and support when needed.

We are a forward-thinking, collaborative, and compassionate service operating under a person-centered approach guided by the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP). We tailor interventions to meet the specific needs, preferences, and desired outcomes of residents, fostering independence and self-determination.

Our teams bridge strategic vision and operational excellence, building strong networks across partnerships and playing a pivotal role in delivering the priorities of the Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB). Innovation, research-informed practice, and continuous development define our culture. If you seek a supportive environment where your expertise is valued and your work directly improves lives, you will find your home here.

About the Role and Our Ideal Candidate
As Adult Social Care Safeguarding Lead, you will lead, develop, and uphold expert adult safeguarding practice, bridging strategic priorities and operational delivery to protect Sutton residents at risk of harm.

You will be the safeguarding specialist driving excellent practice by mentoring staff, shaping policy and training, modelling best practice in complex cases, leading quality assurance, and championing multi-agency collaboration.

Experience
- Minimum of 4 years post-qualifying experience within Adult’s Statutory Services, with a strong track record in assessments, support planning, risk analysis, and case reviews.
- At least 3 years managing high-complexity cases autonomously, making critical risk decisions under pressure.
- Line management or supervisory experience.
- Proven experience in auditing casework, implementing departmental procedures, and chairing multi-agency meetings.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of the Care Act (2014), Mental Capacity Act (2005), and safeguarding/social work legislative frameworks.

About You
- Dedicated and highly skilled social work professional balancing technical expertise with empathy.
- High-level written and oral communication skills.
- Confident in using initiative to make decisive judgements independently.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
- Ability to work regularly from the office and access to reliable transport for home visits and face-to-face meetings.

Qualifications
- Qualified Social Worker with a professional Social Work Degree and active registration with Social Work England (SWE).
- Evidence of post-qualifying training relevant to social work specialism (e.g., Safeguarding).
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and relevant Council vetting.
- Holding a Best Interests Assessor (BIA) qualification is highly desirable and will be a distinct advantage.