Child Protection Conference Chair

at  London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

ABOUT THIS JOB

We are looking for the right person to join us as one of our Child Protection Conference Chairs within the Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service, here in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
This is a very exciting time in the development of our Child Protection Conference Service here in Barking and Dagenham and we want the best person to join us to help deliver a high quality and safe CP chair response, but also help lead and implement our ‘CARES’ practice model that is restorative, relational and strengths based.
This is a permanent role where you will be required to Chair both Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences for children who may be suffering or are likely to suffer significant harm requiring a child protection plan, as well as some CLA reviews and
chair our new Risk Outside the Home (ROTH) conferences, where children and young people may be vulnerable to risks from extra-familial harm.
As these conferences are a critical element within our duty of care to protect and safeguard the children and young people we work for, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and supporting the effective planning for these extremely vulnerable children bringing all of your previous child protection skills and experience with you.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POST

You will need to be registered with Social Work England.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who is experienced and skilled in chairing and managing complex family and multiagency child protection, CLA and CIN meetings, and be able to work with Social Workers, families, and partner agencies in developing complex child protection plans.
You will be registered with Social Work England and will commit to the LBBD’s C.A.R.E.S practice model, which cuts across all services, and places children and families at the centre of our decisions. You will work relationally and restoratively so as to achieve positive outcomes for the children we have the privilege to work for.
You will have extensive experience and a proven track record in working within the child in need and child protection arenas (within a statutory local authority social work child protection setting), as well as a very good understanding of supporting and planning for children in our care.
You will have a high level understanding of child protection processes and be able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team to deliver safe and purposeful child protection responses that mitigate and reduce risk to children who my be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
You will be driven to improve the outcomes for children we work for and be someone who can work constructively and creatively with peers, external stakeholders, and the social workers/managers responsible to achieve this goal.
You will also be proficient in working within the framework of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, Public Law Outline (2014), London Safeguarding procedures, and Working Together 2023 guidelines.
Given this is a senior position in the organisation, you will play a key role in contributing to the performance management of the service, you will have experience in promoting high practice standards through effective quality assurance processes and audits.

ABOUT US

This is an exciting time to join the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. We have been on a journey over the last few years, that has seen us transform the council and the way we deliver our services. At the heart of this transformation is our renewed ambition and drive for excellence for the children and families we serve.
You will be joining a team of Child Protection Conference Chairs, who are part of the wider Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service. This is made up of Independent Reviewing Officers, the LADO and Education Safeguarding Lead, the Quality Assurance service, the business unit of the Barking and Dagenham Safeguarding Children Partners and our dedicated Business Support colleagues.
We need committed individuals to support us in the delivery of these aims and to become part of our team to make a difference to vulnerable children across Barking & Dagenham.
In return we offer a competitive pay package, generous pension and relocation package, annual leave up to 30 days, investment in your learning and development as well as a commitment to your wellbeing. We work in a dispersed way, offering flexible working arrangements.

Please refer the Job description for details