Paralegal - Child Protection

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

The starting salary for this full-time, permanent position is £33,552 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.

Surrey County Council is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Paralegal to join our supportive and successful Lexcel accredited in-house Child Protection team within the Legal & Democratic Services Department.

The team is based in Woking where you will attend a minimum of 40% of your working week. However, we adopt a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements including access to our offices in Reigate, Weybridge and Woking combined with remote or home working (from an appropriate private space due to the sensitive nature of our work). The team are very approachable (even when working remotely!) so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters with.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

The Team and Your Role

Working together with frontline Children's Services to safeguard children, we play a pivotal role in the Council's drive to ensure no one is left behind. Our work spans advising regarding children’s services’ s37 reports and the PLO process, providing representation in care proceedings, dealing with cases with international aspects, special guardianship, adoption, deprivation of liberty and court of protection applications.

As a Paralegal you will support your allocated lawyers with their caseload, alongside providing duty support, assisting with queries and holding a small caseload of paralegal work. Our team culture is one which is supportive and engaged. We have regular team meetings and bi-annual away days where we connect and collaborate with one another, leaving us feeling motivated and energised about our roles.

If you are interested in developing and enhancing your existing skills whilst undertaking quality and varied work in the area of child protection, we'd love to hear from you!

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Law degree or equivalent (e.g. non-law degree plus CPE/GDL)
• Motivation for working for the Local Authority Child Protection legal team
• Experience of working in a legal team, delivering timely, clear and effective legal advice, representation and assistance
• Keen attention to detail with the ability to work effectively and flexibly in a team and manage competing priorities to strict deadlines
• Ability to provide exemplary client care
• Ability to undertake legal research and present findings with accuracy

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and answer the following 3 questions:

1. Please set out your motivations for applying for a paralegal role in child protection, with particular focus on representing the local authority? (Max 200 words)
2. Looking at our advert, and considering the Council’s commitment to ensuring that “no one is left behind”, please tell us how you would ensure that children, families and wider networks feel included, heard and respected in your work? (Max 200 words)
3. What is something that you have done as part of a team (in work or a private capacity) that you are particularly proud of or has had a positive outcome for somebody else? (Max 200 words)

The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 19th April 2026. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 27th April 2026

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey Handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please email legal.childcare@surreycc.gov.uk, marked Paralegal Recruitment Enquiry and your message will be passed to one of our senior solicitors.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.