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Child Protection Conference Chair

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624932
Salary Range: £50,564 - £56,219 per annum, plus Market Supplement of £3,000 per annum
Work Location: Totton Hub, Totton 
Hours per week: 37 
Contract Type: Permanent 
Closing Date: 24 September 2026

The Role:

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Social Worker to join our safeguarding service as a Child Protection Conference Chair, to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people at risk of harm.

 

In this independent role, you will chair Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences, providing objective oversight and constructive challenge to support effective decision-making and robust child protection planning. You will work closely with children, families, social workers and partner agencies, ensuring that every conference is child-focused and that the voice of the child is central to the process.

 

This is an excellent opportunity for a Social Work England registered professional who is committed to championing high-quality safeguarding practice and making a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

What you’ll do:

  • Lead Child Protection Conferences and support meaningful family participation.
  • Monitor and review Child Protection Plans, tracking progress, reducing risk, and ensuring positive outcomes are achieved for children and young people.
  • Maintain accurate records and document key decisions promptly.
  • Work collaboratively with teams and partner agencies to promote effective safeguarding and multi-agency working.
  • Support service improvement through policy development, performance analysis, and best practice.

What we’re looking for:

  • Qualified and registered Social Worker with a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience.  
  • Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance, and child protection procedures.
  • Experience leading social work teams and chairing complex multi-agency meetings.
  • Good understanding of achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable children through evidence-based practice.
  • Strong communication, planning, and report-writing skills, with a collaborative approach.

 

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Child Protection Conference Chair role, team and our values.  The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about.  Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Why join us?

  • Make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in care, knowing that your efforts can create a lasting impact and enhance their quality of life.  
  • Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
  • Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.  
  • Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.   

 

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

 

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.

 

Other roles you may have experience of may include: Children’s Social Work Team Manager, Children’s Social Services Manager, Case Manager, Senior Social Worker, Assistant Team Manager.  

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.   

Additional Information:

Child Protection Conference Chair Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Christa Beach, Independent Reviewing Service Lead (West) on Christa.Beach@hants.gov.uk

 

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
 

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
 

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.


 

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