Independent Child Protection Officer
CV-LibraryNorthampton, NorthamptonshiretemporaryPosted: 10 April 2026
Apply NowAbout the Role
Northampton Children's Trust is seeking an experienced Independent Review and Conference Officer to provide independent oversight and quality assurance of child protection planning. The postholder will play a critical role in ensuring that children's welfare and best interests remain central to all child protection decision-making.
Working Pattern:
Most Review Child Protection Conferences are held virtually
Most Initial Child Protection Conferences are held face to face
Expect approximately 2 days per week attending physical meetingsWorking Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Key Responsibilities
Chairing Child Protection Conferences, ensuring robust, timely, and child‑focused planning
Providing independent oversight and quality assurance of child protection processes
Ensuring that the child's voice and interests are promoted and prioritised throughout all conferences
Monitoring the Trust's performance in relation to child protection practice
Identifying areas of poor or inconsistent practice and reporting concerns
Making clear recommendations for improvement and reporting deficits to senior managers
Working collaboratively with senior leaders to support remedial actions and service improvementSkills
Qualified Social Worker, with current Social Work England registration
Minimum of 3 years' post‑qualifying experience within statutory children's services
Strong knowledge of child protection legislation and statutory guidance
Proven experience chairing Child Protection Conferences, including Initial and Review conferences
Ability to exercise independent judgement and analyse complex safeguarding information
Confident chairing and facilitation skills, including appropriate professional challenge If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience and this is the role for you, then we would love to hear from you
Northampton Children's Trust is seeking an experienced Independent Review and Conference Officer to provide independent oversight and quality assurance of child protection planning. The postholder will play a critical role in ensuring that children's welfare and best interests remain central to all child protection decision-making.
Working Pattern:
Most Review Child Protection Conferences are held virtually
Most Initial Child Protection Conferences are held face to face
Expect approximately 2 days per week attending physical meetingsWorking Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Key Responsibilities
Chairing Child Protection Conferences, ensuring robust, timely, and child‑focused planning
Providing independent oversight and quality assurance of child protection processes
Ensuring that the child's voice and interests are promoted and prioritised throughout all conferences
Monitoring the Trust's performance in relation to child protection practice
Identifying areas of poor or inconsistent practice and reporting concerns
Making clear recommendations for improvement and reporting deficits to senior managers
Working collaboratively with senior leaders to support remedial actions and service improvementSkills
Qualified Social Worker, with current Social Work England registration
Minimum of 3 years' post‑qualifying experience within statutory children's services
Strong knowledge of child protection legislation and statutory guidance
Proven experience chairing Child Protection Conferences, including Initial and Review conferences
Ability to exercise independent judgement and analyse complex safeguarding information
Confident chairing and facilitation skills, including appropriate professional challenge If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience and this is the role for you, then we would love to hear from you