Child Protection Conference Chair

Connect2Kent is the exclusive recruitment partner of Kent County Council (KCC), supporting the recruitment of both temporary and permanent Social Work professionals across the county.

Rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, Kent County Council is recognised as one of the leading local authorities in the UK for Children's Services. We are currently seeking experienced and dedicated Child Protection Chairs to join the service on a temporary basis, playing a vital role in safeguarding children and ensuring the highest standards of professional practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced safeguarding professional looking to make a meaningful impact within a forward-thinking, high-performing local authority.

The Role

As a Child Protection Chair, you will provide independent oversight of Child Protection Conferences, ensuring that robust decisions, recommendations, and plans are developed to safeguard children and promote positive outcomes.

You will chair complex multi-agency meetings, provide professional challenge where required, and ensure statutory responsibilities and safeguarding standards are consistently achieved. Acting as an authoritative and independent professional, you will work closely with Children's Services, partner agencies, and senior leaders to drive effective planning and high-quality service delivery.

There may also be occasions, in line with service requirements, where you are required to undertake duties as an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO).

Key Responsibilities

• Chair complex multi-agency Child Protection Conferences and other statutory safeguarding meetings, ensuring children are reviewed in accordance with legislation and statutory guidance.
• Maintain independent oversight of Child Protection Plans, challenging practice and decision-making where necessary to secure the best outcomes for children.
• Provide robust support and challenge to practitioners, managers, and multi-agency partners to ensure plans are effective, timely, and child-focused.
• Escalate concerns through appropriate conflict resolution and safeguarding procedures where standards or progress are not being achieved.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key partners, including Health, Education, Police, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Monitor and track the progress of children subject to Child Protection Plans, ensuring actions are delivered and risks are effectively managed.
• Lead and contribute to quality assurance activities, including audits, practice reviews, and service improvement initiatives.
• Support the development of policies, procedures, and best practice standards across Children's Services.
• Deliver training and professional guidance to Children's Services staff and partner agencies where required.
• Respond effectively to safeguarding concerns, crises, and emergency situations, coordinating with internal and external partners.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualified experience within Children's Social Care and safeguarding services.
• Extensive knowledge of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, and multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.
• Experience chairing complex meetings and effectively managing professional challenge across agencies.
• Excellent communication, analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• A proven ability to influence practice and drive positive outcomes for children and young people.

Why Join Kent County Council?

• Opportunity to work within an Ofsted Outstanding Children's Service.
• Competitive locum rates.
• Flexible temporary contract opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Be part of a service committed to safeguarding excellence and continuous improvement.
• Make a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families across Kent.

If you are an experienced safeguarding professional looking for your next locum opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join Kent County Council and help deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people.