Independent Safeguarding Chair (Child Protection & CLA)

• Role: Independent Chairperson (Safeguarding Unit)

• Department: Children's Services / Safeguarding & Quality Assurance

• Location: Leicester City Council (Halford House, Children's Centres & WFH)

• Pay Rate: £45.00 per hour

• Hours: Full-Time (Core hours: 8:30am-5:00pm Mon-Thu; 8:30am-4:30pm Fri)

• Working Pattern: Hybrid Working (Option for condensed hours potentially available)

Are you an experienced Senior Social Work Practitioner or Team Manager looking to step into a high-profile, strategic safeguarding role?

An exciting career development opportunity has arisen within Leicester City Council's Safeguarding Unit. We are seeking a full-time Independent Chairperson to lead statutory Child Protection Conferences, quality assure care planning, and champion the safety and well-being of Leicester's children.

• Strengths-Based Approach: Practice is driven by Signs of Safety, trauma-informed principles, and the Lundy Model of Participation.

• Anti-Racist Practice: Strong organizational commitment to actively addressing racial injustice across the workforce and community.

• Supportive Environment: Benefit from a rich regional network and a supportive team of experienced Independent Chairs, LADOs, Fostering IROs, and Safeguarding Officers.

• Competitive Pay: Secure an excellent rate of £45.00 per hour.

• Conference Operations: Predominantly chairing Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences, with periodic cover for Child Looked After (CLA) Reviews and LADO support as required.

• Hybrid Working:

  • Face-to-Face / In-Person: Most Initial Conferences take place in person at Halford House (121 Charles Street). Review Conferences are offered in-person at Halford House or local Children's Centres depending on family choice and risk.

  • Remote Working: Outside of scheduled conference times (typically booked at 10:00am and 1:00pm), chairs work predominantly from home for administrative duties and virtual meetings.

• Chair Statutory Conferences: Independently chair complex Child Protection Conferences, facilitating family and multi-agency involvement.

• Quality Assurance: Monitor and evaluate the progression of Child Protection Plans to ensure drift is avoided and high-quality outcomes are achieved.

• Cross-Unit Support: Provide flexible coverage when needed for Looked After Children (CLA) reviews and LADO functions.

• Multi-Agency Leadership: Collaborate effectively with partner agencies across Leicester City to drive robust safeguarding practice.

• Professional Status: Qualified Social Worker with active registration with Social Work England.

• Post-Qualifying Experience: Substantial post-qualifying experience in statutory Children's Care, with strong operational knowledge of Child Protection and CLA legislation.

• Chairing Skills: Proven ability to manage, chair, and lead complex multi-agency meetings confidently.

• Availability: Full-time commitment to cover core council operating hours.

If you are ready to bring your practice expertise to a progressive safeguarding unit in Leicester, apply today to submit your application.

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experience

Children services

skills

be able to manage challenging situations

qualifications

university

education

BA in social work