Locum Child Protection Qualified Social Worker

Locum Child Protection Chair – Child Protection Conference Service

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Child Protection Chair to join the Child Protection Conference Service. This is a full-time locum position working 36 hours per week, offered on an initial minimum 3-month contract.

This is a senior safeguarding role responsible for independently chairing Child Protection Conferences and providing robust oversight of safeguarding practice. You will oversee a caseload of approximately 60 children, ensuring that Child Protection Plans are effective, statutory requirements are met and children remain at the centre of all decision-making.

Please note: This is predominantly an office-based role as Child Protection Conferences are held face-to-face. Candidates must be willing to attend the office regularly before applying.

Key Responsibilities

   
• Chair Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences in accordance with statutory guidance.
     

• Provide independent oversight and quality assurance of safeguarding plans and practice.
     

• Monitor the effectiveness and progress of Child Protection Plans to ensure positive outcomes for children.
     

• Challenge practice where appropriate and promote high standards across Children’s Services.
     

• Provide advice and guidance to Social Workers and managers on safeguarding thresholds and statutory processes.
     

• Work collaboratively with children, families and partner agencies to support effective safeguarding interventions.
     

• Ensure conference decisions, recommendations and actions are accurately recorded and progressed.
     

• Maintain oversight of approximately 60 children and ensure statutory timescales are achieved.

About You

You will be an experienced safeguarding professional with a strong background in Child Protection and conference chairing. You will have excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills, together with the confidence to provide constructive challenge and independent oversight across complex safeguarding cases.

Requirements

   
• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
     

• Essential: Previous management experience within Children’s Social Care.
     

• Preferred: Previous Child Protection Chair and/or Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) Chair experience.
     

• Comprehensive knowledge of children’s legislation, safeguarding guidance and child protection practice.
     

• Excellent understanding of statutory Child Protection processes and thresholds.
     

• Strong leadership, communication and quality assurance skills.
     

• Systemic Practice Training is desirable but not essential.

Contract & Salary

   
• Job Title: Locum Child Protection Chair
     

• Service: Child Protection Conference Service
     

• Hours: 36 hours per week
     

• Contract: Minimum 3-month assignment
     

• Caseload: Approximately 60 children
     

• Pay Rate: £45.20 per hour
     

• Working Pattern: Predominantly office-based. Limited home working may be agreed at the discretion of the Service Manager.
     

• Office Base: Havering Town Hall
     

• Equipment: Laptop and mobile phone provided (collection from the office required).

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Child Protection Chair or senior safeguarding professional looking for your next locum opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Join a dedicated Child Protection Conference Service where your expertise will help safeguard children and improve outcomes across Children’s Services. Apply using the form on the page.