At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people s lives. This post attracts a market supplement of 5,000. This is per annum, pro rata. Bath and North East Somerset Council is looking for an experienced and dedicated Independent Chair. The role of Independent Chair sits within the Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service for Children and Young People and is part of the Education and Safeguarding Directorate. Your work will take you around various offices located in Bath and Keynsham. The Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service is responsible for: The delivery of Child Protection Conferences and the oversight and review of children and young people subject to a child protection plan The appointment of an Independent Reviewing Officer to all children placed in the care of the Local Authority Managing allegations against a person in a position of trust, with the Local Authority Designated Officer providing oversight, advice and guidance to organisations working with children Monitoring the quality of practice and providing feedback and challenge in order to promote the safety and welfare of children and their families The primary role of an Independent Chair is to ensure that the child remains central to the plans that are being made, that the wishes and feelings of children are taken into consideration and their rights recognised and respected. An Independent Chair is responsible for ensuring the plans in place for children promote their safety, meet their needs, and secures emotional, physical, and legal permanence. Under the leadership of the Head of Service for Children s Quality Assurance and Safeguarding, the Independent Chair will: Ensure that the wishes and feelings of children are heard and contribute towards the plans in place for the child and their family Ensure multiagency work helps protect children and focuses upon the child s lived experience Ensure that plans for children and their families are progressing in a timely way and reaching the desired outcomes Ensure that where children are unsafe there is timely intervention taken to safeguard them Ensure there is no drift and delay in planning for children Lead and facilitate children protection conferences and child in care reviews Respond to allegations against a person in a position of trust, providing advice and guidance to agencies to ensure that allegations are dealt with in accordance with local and statutory guidance Quality Assure social work practice and multiagency work to ensure the plans for children are leading towards desired outcomes which include stability and permanence As an Independent Chair, you will have a caseload reflective of your skills and expertise and will be supported to ensure that you have sufficient capacity to develop good relationships with children, their families, carers, and the professional networks surrounding them. Candidates must be able to demonstrate significant experience working in children s social care with supervisory and/or relevant management experience. The role of Independent Chair requires a thorough understanding of the legal framework relating to children in care and care leavers, as well as the legal processes surrounding child protection. Requirements of the Independent Chair: Degree or equivalent in social work Current registration with Social Work England Significant post qualifying experience in childcare social work You must provide proof that you have successfully registered with Social Work England. Further information about the Registration Scheme can be found at https://www.socialworkengland.org.uk/ You can expect: A comprehensive induction A managed caseload (designated days/times for each Independent Chair when child protection conferences will be held) Monthly one-to-one supervision Monthly peer supervision Access to training and regional learning events Paid Social Work England membership renewals Attendance and participation and regional and national events Laptop and iPhone to promote flexible working Relocation payments where appropriate A stable and committed team, with significant experience Flexibility around working arrangements with opportunity to work from home and be office based If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what s involved, please contact Sarah Hogan, Head of Service, Children s Quality Assurance and Safeguarding on 01225 395218 or email sarah_hoganbathnes.gov.uk Interview date: TBC About Bath & North East Somerset Council. Working at Bath & North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services. Why Bath & North East Somerset Council? We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve peoples live. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity We are a Disability Confident Employer find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check. Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.