Independent Chair

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

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.