3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Role Purpose
The Independent Child Protection Chair (ICPC) is responsible for independently chairing Child Protection Conferences (Initial, Review and Pre-birth) to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguarding processes are robust, transparent and child-centred.
The post holder will provide independent scrutiny, challenge and quality assurance of multi-agency child protection practice, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance, local safeguarding procedures and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
* Independently chair Initial, Review and Pre-birth Child Protection Conferences in accordance with statutory guidance and local safeguarding procedures.
* Ensure the child’s voice, wishes and lived experience are central to all discussions and decisions.
* Facilitate effective multi-agency participation, ensuring all relevant agencies contribute to assessment, analysis and decision-making.
* Ensure that risk is clearly identified, analysed and that outcomes are proportionate and evidence-based.
* Lead conference decision-making regarding child protection plans, categories of abuse and contingency planning.
* Ensure clear, SMART and child-focused Child Protection Plans are developed, with accountable actions and timescales.
* Resolve professional disagreement appropriately and escalate concerns where safeguarding thresholds or practice standards are not met.
* Provide independent scrutiny and professional challenge to social care and partner agencies to improve safeguarding practice.
* Identify themes, trends and learning from conferences and contribute to service improvement and audit activity.
* Ensure compliance with Working Together to Safeguard Children and local safeguarding arrangements.
* Ensure children, young people and families are appropriately supported to understand and participate in conferences.
* Promote respectful, inclusive and trauma-informed practice.
* Ensure equality, diversity and cultural considerations are embedded in decision-making.
* Ensure accurate, timely and high-quality conference records, decisions and plans are completed.
* Produce clear written reports and recommendations for senior leaders as required.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and research.
* Participate in supervision, appraisal and continuous professional development.
* Work collaboratively with safeguarding partners, including health, police and education.
Requirements
* Professional qualification in Social Work, Nursing, Health, Education or a related discipline.
* Current professional registration (e.g. Social Work England or equivalent).
* Significant post-qualifying experience in child protection and safeguarding.
* Experience of working in a multi-agency safeguarding environment.
* Demonstrable experience of chairing complex meetings or equivalent decision-making forums.
* In-depth knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding thresholds.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess risk and protective factors.
* Excellent communication, facilitation and conflict-resolution skills.
* Ability to provide constructive challenge and maintain professional independence.
* Strong written skills and attention to detail.
* Child-focused, ethical and values-driven approach.
* Confidence to make difficult decisions and challenge senior professionals.
* Ability to remain calm and authoritative in emotionally charged situations.
* Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
* Previous experience as an Independent Child Protection Chair or Reviewing Officer.
* Experience of quality assurance, audit or practice improvement work.
* Post-qualifying training in safeguarding, leadership or trauma-informed practice.