Job Introduction
From 1 December 2025, our updated Pay and Reward package will take effect, introducing a new approach to recognising and rewarding roles across the Council. As part of this change, the salary for this role will be adjusted to a pay range of £47,181 – £53,460 (pro-rata for part time)
We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.
You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure ]
Role Purpose
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Safeguarding Practitioner to join our hospital-based team, working in partnership with University Hospitals Dorset (UHD). This vital role involves managing safeguarding concerns raised against UHD hospitals, ensuring timely triage, investigation, and resolution in line with statutory duties under the Care Act 2014.
You will work collaboratively with hospital staff, social care teams, and external agencies to uphold the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal, promoting the safety, dignity, and rights of adults at risk.
To work in partnership with people, families, and colleagues across the system to contribute to the delivery and development of the high-quality services provided by Adult Social Care.
To work in a way that is consistent with our corporate standards, priorities, strategy, values, and behaviours.
Main Responsibilities
As a Safeguarding Practitioner embedded within the hospital team, you will:
Undertake Section 42 enquiries where appropriate, coordinating multi-agency involvement and ensuring that safeguarding plans are person-centred and outcome-focused.
Provide expert safeguarding advice and consultation to hospital staff, social workers, and partner agencies, supporting best practice and compliance with statutory duties.
Support the development of safeguarding practice within the hospital setting, including delivering training, contributing to policy reviews, and identifying areas for improvement.
Promote the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal, ensuring that individuals are involved in decisions about their safety and wellbeing wherever possible.
Escalate concerns appropriately and work closely with senior managers, legal advisors, and external bodies when dealing with complex or high-risk cases.
Contribute to audits, learning reviews, and quality assurance processes, helping to embed learning and improve safeguarding outcomes across the system.
Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that safeguarding responses are culturally competent and sensitive to the needs of diverse communities.
Maintain and further develop professional knowledge and skills through continuous professional development, reflective practice, and other development opportunities.
The expectation of BCP Council Social Care that all professionally qualified staff will undertake relevant training to meet the statutory responsibilities of the BCP Council in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework and any relevant Knowledge and Skills Statements.
Maintain knowledge of relevant research, government guidance, legislation and best practice in relation to people and families, and the specialist service area to which appointed.
In accordance with professional case recording standards, maintain case records on local information recording systems and ensure these records are maintained in line with legislative requirements and our best practice guidance, policy and procedures.
As appropriate, contribute to the training and learning of qualified social workers, social work students, other professionals, or providers to promote knowledge and skills and our wider sector and profession.
Uphold and promote anti racist and anti-discriminatory practice with people, families, colleagues and communities.
This job description is not exhaustive and reflects the type and range of tasks, responsibilities and outcomes associated with this post.
The Ideal Candidate will have:
- Extensive working knowledge of Making Safeguarding Personal and undertaking work within S42 of the Care Act.
- Professional qualification in Social Work (DipSW, BASW, MSW or equivalent) and registration with Social Work England,
or
a relevant qualification and professional registration in a related field such as nursing, occupational therapy, or mental health, with demonstrable safeguarding experience.
If you would welcome an informal discussion about the role, please contact Service Managers Kerry Best 01202 127962 or Chris Perham 01202 123611.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
From 1 December 2025, we’re proud to introduce a new Pay and Reward package, shaped through close collaboration with our trade union partners. This marks a significant step forward in how we recognise and reward our colleagues, reflecting our commitment to creating a modern, inclusive, and supportive workplace.
Our enhanced offer includes fair and transparent pay, modernised terms and conditions, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain talented individuals. Whether it’s flexible working, wellbeing support, or opportunities for career progression, our new approach puts people first- we’re excited to welcome new colleagues into a Council that’s evolving to meet the needs of both our workforce and our communities.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)
Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you
More About us | Working for BCP
DBS
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.
Attached documents
