Designated Doctor - Safeguarding Children

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This is a stand-alone post hosted within the WY ICB. The post holder would work alongside a Designated Nurse and deputies and Designated Doctors for Child death and Children in Care. With the Designated Nurse, they will lead the safeguarding children’s team within the WY ICB, Bradford PLACE, provide line-management for the Named GPs for Safeguarding Children  and work closely with the Director of Nursing and Quality.

Whilst this is for a stand-alone Designated Doctor without direct clinical work, it may be possible to accommodate some clinical work in Safeguarding and Children in Care.

The post will be hosted in the WY ICB with office space in Scorex House.  Whilst some work could be online from home, face to face work is also needed. We would encourage the new post holder to establish new relationships and meet colleagues in health and partnership settings face to face.

The post holder will provide support and guidance across the health economy with Named Professionals in the health trusts and other health agencies.   Bradford District has a very active and friendly Health safeguarding children’s  group which coordinates all health Safeguarding children  professionals. The Named Doctors are all experienced, active, have excellent systems in place and are well ahead with RCPCH requirements for local peer review / audit work. They and provide liaison with our local SARC.   West Yorkshire has a well-established and supportive regional peer group with on-going audit, and training programmes. The group works closely with supportive colleagues across the region and link with National groups (NNHDP, RCPCH)

Bradford District is a very young population. This is a very busy post with a high level of complex Safeguarding.  The district has a high number of rapid reviews and case reviews and very high numbers of CP medicals each year.  Expertise will rapidly develop in all areas. Any particular interest of the postholder is likely to be accommodated.

This is an exciting time in Bradford District with a new Designated Nurse: Safeguarding children  being appointed, a new Children’s Trust for social care and significant changes in the Partnership arrangements. There are strong links with local Safeguarding partnership and subgroups.  The postholder would be expected to chair / be part of some subgroups. Current Bradford Partnership priorities include Neglect, introduction of GCP2, and supervision. We have a well-developed partnership training programme.

This would be an opportunity to influence the direction of safeguarding within a busy but supportive environment, in a vibrant young district. 

Closing date: 15th June 2025

Shortlisting: w/c 16th June 2025

Interviews: Likely to take place late June 2025

Please read the attached Job description and person specification for more details about this role.

Right to Work in the UK

Applicants should be aware that for any individual who requires a visa to work in the UK, the Trust provides sponsorship for registered healthcare practitioner roles only. This is an essential requirement of the role, and the Trust is unable to offer you a role if you are unable to meet Trust requirements for sponsorship and Home Office requirements for a visa.
Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide confirmation of your right to work and reside in the UK. During your continued employment with the Trust, you have a personal responsibility to notify your manager as soon as possible should there be any changes to your right to work status.
Regrettably, if the role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Trust’s eligibility criteria, the Trust are unable to extend your employment beyond the expiration of your current visa. The Trust is not responsible or liable for ensuring that your employment continues after this period. 
As a condition of continuous employment, it essential you maintain the legal right to work in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of your employment with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT). Any change in your right-to-work status, including but not limited to visa expiration, revocation, or denial of renewal, may impact your eligibility for employment with the Trust. It is your responsibility to promptly inform your Line Manager of any changes in your right-to-work status immediately and to provide necessary documentation for verification purposes. Failure to obtain or renew your visa in a timely manner is a breach of employment conditions and will result in termination of your employment. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to fulfilling this requirement promptly.

In West Yorkshire we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity – we see this as a strength and part of our founding mission, values and behaviours. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers patient outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

We are jointly committed to creating and maintaining a fair and supportive working environment and culture, where contributions are fully recognised and valued by all, and staff feel empowered to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities. As employers we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and well-being of all our staff.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We are a Disability Confident employer and will interview any disabled candidate who meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.