Safeguarding Lawyer (Full-Time)

Job Description

Job Title: Safeguarding Lawyer - Children's Safeguarding (Full-Time)
Salary: £55,227 - £63,675 per annum
Grade: G
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Department

We are a small, dedicated team of 13 lawyers and support staff, committed to providing a high-quality, responsive and client-focused legal service within the local authority. Working closely with colleagues across Children’s Services and partner agencies, we provide trusted legal advice and support to help achieve positive outcomes for children and families.

Every member of the team plays an important role in delivering our shared objectives, with the opportunity to contribute their expertise, develop professionally and make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people across the borough

About the Role

As a Safeguarding Lawyer you will be expected to manage a caseload of children’s safeguarding matters and provide high quality advice to our Ofsted Outstanding client department. You will play a vial role in protecting children and supporting positive outcome for families. You will provide high quality legal advice and representation across a varied and challenging caseload, working closely with social workers and partner agencies.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is a qualified solicitor, barrister or Cilex with Litigation Rights and at least 2 years’ PQE. Local Government experience is desirable but not essential.

DBS Check: Basic DBS check is required for the role

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 5th October 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 11th October 2026

Interview Date: 15th & 16th October 2026

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Petrena Sharpe - Principal Safeguarding Lawyer

petrena.sharpe@thurrock.gov.uk or 01375 652052

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.

About us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council