Social Worker Safeguarding and Child Protection Officer
UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics
Occupation Type
Child and early years officers
Occupation Code Skill LevelMedium Skilled
Sponsorship EligibilityIneligible for Sponsorship
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Description
London, Warrington
For roles based in London, your contractual place of work will be Stratford. While the Stratford site is expected to become operational from November 2025 – March 2026, you will be required to carry out your contractual duties from Vauxhall or another reasonable location on a temporary basis during the interim period.
Please note that, as Stratford will be your contractual place of work, any subsequent move from a temporary location will not entitle you to payments for travel time or costs under the Relocation and Excess Travel Policy.
Job Summary
This is a unique opportunity to develop skills in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults within a law enforcement agency focusing on serious and organised crime.
The Safeguarding & Child Protection Team require individuals who have a social work degree or accreditation, registration with Social Work England, significant post- qualifying experience, and necessary skills to respond to complex safeguarding and child protection concerns.
The officer will utilise their specialist skills and experience to provide advice and support investigations across different threat areas to ensure the NCA fulfils its safeguarding duties and obligations effectively and to this highest possible standard.
Alternative working arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on business demands.
The team currently runs on an internal rota basis to ensure that tasks are shared fairly among the team and that cover is always available Monday to Friday
Job Description
The role will support the triage and response to the reports received daily from vulnerable children and young people, their parents/ carers through the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) Safety Centre reporting service.
The team also provides specialist safeguarding support and advice to officers across the agency which is essential to ensure high standards of safeguarding during investigations. The successful candidate will be required to support this function including providing specialist tactical advice, developing safeguarding strategies, engaging with multi-agency partners and deploying alongside investigators in instances where safeguarding risks have been identified.
For roles based in London, your contractual place of work will be Stratford. While the Stratford site is expected to become operational from November 2025 – March 2026, you will be required to carry out your contractual duties from Vauxhall or another reasonable location on a temporary basis during the interim period.
Please note that, as Stratford will be your contractual place of work, any subsequent move from a temporary location will not entitle you to payments for travel time or costs under the Relocation and Excess Travel Policy.
Job Summary
This is a unique opportunity to develop skills in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults within a law enforcement agency focusing on serious and organised crime.
The Safeguarding & Child Protection Team require individuals who have a social work degree or accreditation, registration with Social Work England, significant post- qualifying experience, and necessary skills to respond to complex safeguarding and child protection concerns.
The officer will utilise their specialist skills and experience to provide advice and support investigations across different threat areas to ensure the NCA fulfils its safeguarding duties and obligations effectively and to this highest possible standard.
Alternative working arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on business demands.
The team currently runs on an internal rota basis to ensure that tasks are shared fairly among the team and that cover is always available Monday to Friday
Job Description
The role will support the triage and response to the reports received daily from vulnerable children and young people, their parents/ carers through the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) Safety Centre reporting service.
The team also provides specialist safeguarding support and advice to officers across the agency which is essential to ensure high standards of safeguarding during investigations. The successful candidate will be required to support this function including providing specialist tactical advice, developing safeguarding strategies, engaging with multi-agency partners and deploying alongside investigators in instances where safeguarding risks have been identified.
- Due to the nature of the role social workers will be exposed to indecent imagery of children, relevant well-being training and regular psychological reviews will be provided**
Duties And Responsibilities
The team also provides specialist safeguarding support and advice to officers across the agency which is essential to ensure high standards of safeguarding during investigations. The successful candidate will be required to support this function including providing specialist tactical advice, developing safeguarding strategies, engaging with multi-agency partners and deploying alongside investigators in instances where safeguarding risks have been identified.
- To develop safeguarding and child protection strategies to be used by investigation teams to support the safeguarding and welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
- To work as part of law enforcement led investigation teams to give specialist advice on potential risks to children and vulnerable adults at any stage of investigative activity and to support the Senior Investigating Officer in the risk management of operational tactics.
- To provide direct operational support during national deployments, including safeguarding, supporting, assessing, and where appropriate interviewing children and vulnerable adults.
- To help identify and safeguard children who are at risk of harm or are experiencing abuse online.
- To participate in the triage and management of referrals from the public by undertaking risk assessments and communicating directly with vulnerable children, their parents, carers, and local safeguarding professionals.
- To provide advice directly to children, parents, carers, and professionals who report child sexual abuse and exploitation to us through the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) Safety Centre.
- To contribute to training, awareness and knowledge sharing within the Safeguarding and Child Protection Team as well as with wider NCA colleagues.
- To work with multi-agency partners such as; Social Care, Health, Education and Local Forces, to coordinate safeguarding responses and provide advice whilst engaging in localised safeguarding procedures such as strategy meetings.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records and reports in accordance with legal, professional and organisational standards.
The team also provides specialist safeguarding support and advice to officers across the agency which is essential to ensure high standards of safeguarding during investigations. The successful candidate will be required to support this function including providing specialist tactical advice, developing safeguarding strategies, engaging with multi-agency partners and deploying alongside investigators in instances where safeguarding risks have been identified.
- Due to the nature of the role social workers will be exposed to indecent imagery of children, relevant well-being training and regular psychological reviews will be provided**
Duties And Responsibilities
- To develop safeguarding and child protection strategies to be used by investigation teams to support the safeguarding and welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
- To work as part of law enforcement led investigation teams to give specialist advice on potential risks to children and vulnerable adults at any stage of investigative activity and to support the Senior Investigating Officer in the risk management of operational tactics.
- To provide direct operational support during national deployments, including safeguarding, supporting, assessing, and where appropriate interviewing children and vulnerable adults.
- To help identify and safeguard children who are at risk of harm or are experiencing abuse online.
- To participate in the triage and management of referrals from the public by undertaking risk assessments and communicating directly with vulnerable children, their parents, carers, and local safeguarding professionals.
- To provide advice directly to children, parents, carers, and professionals who report child sexual abuse and exploitation to us through the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) Safety Centre.
- To contribute to training, awareness and knowledge sharing within the Safeguarding and Child Protection Team as well as with wider NCA colleagues.
- To work with multi-agency partners such as; Social Care, Health, Education and Local Forces, to coordinate safeguarding responses and provide advice whilst engaging in localised safeguarding procedures such as strategy meetings.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records and reports in accordance with legal, professional and organisational standards.
- Knowledge of child development.
- Understand theoretical concepts, legal frameworks and to able work within policy and procedures relating to safeguarding and child protection.
Full DVLA Driving Licence (includes Full EU licences)
Qualifications
Social Work degree or Social Work qualification as detailed below:
Bsc in Social Work
BA in Social Work
MA in Social Work
Msc in Social Work
Diploma in Social Work (DipSW)
Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW)
Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Work
Memberships
Social Work England Registration
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Understanding and experience of completing joint child abuse investigations with the police, applying relevant statutory knowledge and guidance (lead criteria).
New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.
If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).
Other Benefits Include:
- Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements)
- Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
- Learning and Development opportunities
- Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
- Housing schemes - Key Worker status
- Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway , Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
- Staff support groups/networks
- Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Your Application Will Be Assessed Against The Following:
Technical - this will be assessed by 250 word examples on:
CV
Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.
Details of what is expected within you CV are as follows: Please can you provide a comprehensive career history to demonstrate a significant post qualifying experience in a statutory social work role.
A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.
Longlist
In the event of a high number of applications, we may operate a longlist. Applicants will need to meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria.
You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.
We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.
Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.
For Guidance On The Application Process, Visit:
- Understanding and experience of completing joint child abuse investigations with the police, applying relevant statutory knowledge and guidance (lead criteria).
- Understanding of online child sexual abuse and exploitation and how to respond to the risks to children.
- Understanding and experience of effectively safeguarding children within a multi- agency environment.
- Commitment to the improvement of culture in a team, and how you would measure success.
CV
Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.
Details of what is expected within you CV are as follows: Please can you provide a comprehensive career history to demonstrate a significant post qualifying experience in a statutory social work role.
A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.
Longlist
In the event of a high number of applications, we may operate a longlist. Applicants will need to meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria.
- Understanding and experience of completing joint child abuse investigations with the police, applying relevant statutory knowledge and guidance (lead criteria). .
You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.
We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.
Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.
For Guidance On The Application Process, Visit:
NCA Applying and Onboarding
Assessment 1
The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.
Success Profiles at Assessment
Behaviours
Outcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.
If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.
Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.
In The Event Of a Tie At The Assessment Stage, Available Roles Will Be Offered In Merit Order Using The Following Order:
You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.
Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records.
We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.
Full advert details for this vacancy can found on the advert on the NCA Recruitment Portal. Please follow the link to apply at advertisers' site.
Assessment 1
The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.
Success Profiles at Assessment
Behaviours
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Understanding and experience of completing joint child abuse investigations with the police, applying relevant statutory knowledge and guidance (lead criteria).
- Understanding of online child sexual abuse and exploitation and how to respond to the risks to children.
- Understanding and experience of effectively safeguarding children within a multi- agency environment.
- Commitment to the improvement of culture in a team, and how you would measure success.
Outcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.
If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.
Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.
In The Event Of a Tie At The Assessment Stage, Available Roles Will Be Offered In Merit Order Using The Following Order:
- Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
- If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
- If still tied, application sift scores will be used
You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.
Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records.
We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.
Full advert details for this vacancy can found on the advert on the NCA Recruitment Portal. Please follow the link to apply at advertisers' site.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum se
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum se
lection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference).
If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
- Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
- Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference).
If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.