PURPOSE OF ROLE:
· To lead the process of commissioning and coordinating the safeguarding training programme for Hounslow Children’s Specialist Services and the Hounslow Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (HSCP). To be accountable for the management of the training programme, quality of delivery, in line with Government Guidance. To lead on the development of interagency collaborative practice and respond to safeguarding training and development needs identified within the Department, and HSCP.
· To provide advice and guidance on all aspects of safeguarding training to staff within Children’s Specialist Services and the HSCP.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Corporate
2. To work as part of multi-disciplinary teams to break down departmental barriers and ensure the delivery of training and workforce development.
Functional
1. To lead the process of commissioning and coordinating the interagency safeguarding training programme for Hounslow Children’s Specialist Services and HSCP.
2. To manage the workforce development budget to ensure accountability and value for money in respect of commissioned training, including the West London Alliance (WLA) program.
3. To work proactively with all agencies to ensure that learning needs across the Department are identified for all relevant staff, especially in areas of skills development and good practice, and address via appropriate training.
4. Take initiative with regards to identifying external training when needed, including opportunities for grants to be obtained.
5. To be accountable to DLT and the HSCP, including membership of the relevant sub group(s), for the management of the safeguarding training programme.
6. To take a key role in the evaluation of all safeguarding training whether commissioned or delivered by member agencies, to ensure that safeguarding training is of the highest quality possible and in line with Government Guidance.
7. To lead on the development of interagency collaborative practice, noting current developments in good practice, including those identified by research, local or national case review. This may be through specific project development and may include an annual HSCP conference.
8. To provide advice and support to Children’s Specialist Services workforce and HSCP member agencies regarding safeguarding training, and the development of their training materials. To be aware of current developments in ways of training and materials used.
9. Any additional duties as directed by the Social Work Standards Manager.
These are the values that drive us:
Lead with heart
We’re here for the people of Hounslow. We work together with them and for them with care and compassion, with patience and in partnership. We put ourselves in other’s shoes, remembering that every person is different, and every interaction is a real moment in their lives. We always feel first.
Do new
We need to do things differently if we’re going to help Hounslow people thrive in the future. Hard work is important but it’s not enough on its own. We need to challenge ourselves to break new ground, invent new approaches, try new ideas keep moving forward and keep improving. That means being ready to stop doing things we’ve done before. It means taking on risk and backing each other when we take a leap.
Pass on the power
The world keeps on changing and we need to change with it. We won’t be able to adapt fast enough to the future needs of our residents if we stick to old fashioned command and control. We need to hand over responsibility and give people more power to make decisions and take action themselves. It’s about being transparent and straightforward. It’s about providing tools and support. But most of all, it’s about being ready to trust each other to do the right thing.
Harness the mix
We work together, across disciplines and roles. We talk lots, share our insights, our skills and experience. We’re not interested in siloes or defensiveness. We’re always open to different approaches, we’re flexible and ready to adapt. We break down the barriers between our parts and people to unlock the problem-solving power of our amazing mix of minds.
Be a rock
There’s lots to do and people need us. It’s up to us to take the initiative. To take responsibility. To stand up and be counted. Everyday. It’s about being super focused, effective and efficient. It’s about allocating our resources smartly and with good rationale – using data to help guide our decisions. But most of all, it’s about having the strength and determination to keep on going through thick and thin.
The top 5 things about you that are most important:
· Experience and expertise in safeguarding children practice.
· Good written and verbal communication skills.
· Being creative and taking initiative to ensure training is delivered in creative ways to promote optimum attendance.
· Being able to work within a Team as well as with a wide range of colleagues and partners, including Senior Managers.
· Being able to work autonomously and effectively to drive practice improvement through training and development.
Qualifications
Essential For The Role
The London Borough of Hounslow is a vibrant, exciting place to visit, stay and explore, with many hidden gems. Miles of rivers – including the Thames, canals, nature reserves and parks, bustling town centres, and a fantastic leisure offer.
Children, young people and families are at the heart of all we do here in Hounslow. We listen to what children, young people and families have to say about what we do and how and where we do it because their say matters. Putting children, young people and families first is at the heart of our Family Friendly vision and we are committed to developing and supporting our workforce to deliver excellent services using resilience-based approaches.
We are looking for skilled, dynamic and motivated professionals who are aspirational for children and young people with the ability to drive change in the families and professional systems they work within. If you thrive in a child-centred and creative environment – Hounslow could be for you. We know that to recruit passionate, dedicated social workers - where there’s simply more demand than the available resource - we must show our appreciation in more tangible ways. That's why we have put together an attractive package for all our social workers.
In return for your skills, knowledge, and experience, you will receive an appropriate starting salary and a friendly, kind, positive and supportive working culture. We also offer:
Annual leave – Generous annual leave entitlements starting from 22 days and rising to max 30 days.
Christmas closure – Up to 3 days, between Christmas and New Year, if your office is closed. This is at the discretion of the council.
Employee benefits –a range of discounts and benefits across a range of companies which you can access as an employee of Hounslow.
Enhanced maternity leave – Up to 52 weeks’ leave after the birth of the baby and the option of a phased return over 3 months.
Flexible working arrangements - our focus is on the outcomes you deliver and we are flexible about where and how this is best achieved.
Local Government Pension Scheme – Open to all employees, this is a tax approved, occupational pension scheme. Your contributions are based on a sliding scale according to your salary band.
Learning and development – we want you to learn everyday. We have a fantastic range of resources and opportunities and are committed to your development throughout your career with us.
Premature baby leave and pay – where a baby is born prematurely. We are proud to have The Smallest Things Charter mark.
Paternity Leave – Up to two weeks paid leave Parental Leave – Up to 18 weeks’ unpaid leave.
Parental Bereavement leave - two weeks’ paid leave following the death of a child or a stillbirth.
Pool cars –Pool bikes –available for our employees to use for work.
Shared parental leave – Up to 50 weeks’ shared parental leave.
Season ticket loans – Interest free loans for British Rail, Underground and Bus season tickets.
Staff wellbeing services - Including access to Occupational Health, an Osteopath/Chiropractor and Employee Assistance Programme.