Principal Officer

4 Month Contract with A Local Authority

The Principal Officer (Child Protection Chair) is responsible for leading and chairing multi-agency Child Protection Conferences to safeguard vulnerable children and young people. The role ensures that child protection planning is effective, child-focused, and underpinned by a strengths-based, relationship-focused, and trauma-informed approach. The post holder will promote participation from children, families, and partner agencies while driving high standards of practice, performance, and decision-making to improve outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair multi-agency Child Protection Conferences and ensure effective safeguarding plans are developed and reviewed.
  
• Ensure the child’s voice, lived experience, and participation are central to all decision-making and safety planning.
  
• Facilitate collaborative working between families, social care professionals, and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
  
• Apply the Strengthening Families approach to support engagement and co-production with children and parents.
  
• Monitor and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of child protection plans and interventions.
  
• Provide professional challenge where necessary to ensure statutory responsibilities and safeguarding standards are met.
  
• Support the continuous improvement of practice and performance through quality assurance, reflection, and learning.
  
• Promote and model relationship-based and trauma-informed practice across safeguarding processes.
  
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation in line with statutory requirements and organizational standards.
  
• Contribute to the development of a positive learning culture, supporting professional accountability and continuous improvement.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Extensive post-qualifying social work experience.
  
• Previous experience chairing Child Protection Conferences.
  
• Sound knowledge and understanding of child protection processes and safeguarding legislation.
  
• Strong decision-making, communication, and facilitation skills.
  
• Ability to manage a demanding workload, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
  
• Ability to build positive working relationships with children, families, colleagues, and partner agencies.
  
• Commitment to relationship-based, strengths-focused, and trauma-informed practice.
  
• Effective team player with a collaborative and supportive approach.
  

Desirable

• Management or supervisory experience.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
  
• Hours per Week: Full-time (37 hours per week)
  
• Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly payments