Principal Officer

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.

• Chair multi-agency Child Protection Conferences and ensure effective safeguarding plans are developed and reviewed.
  
• Ensure the childs 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.
  

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.
  

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