Principal Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited in Birmingham is seeking a Principal Officer (Child Protection Chair) for a 4-month contract to lead and chair multi-user Child Protection Conferences, ensuring safeguarding arrangements for vulnerable children and young people. You will shape decision-making and drive quality assurance across partner agencies.

Responsibilities include leading safeguarding discussions, ensuring children's voices are central to planning, and maintaining rigorous conference documentation

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of child protection processes and safeguarding legislation.
• Experience chairing multi-agency conferences.
• Experience working within Children’s Social Care.
• Strong assessment, analysis and decision-making skills.
• Experience managing complex safeguarding cases.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong partnership working experience.
• Management or leadership experience.
• Quality Assurance experience.
• Reviewing Officer or Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) experience.

Responsibilities

• Chair Child Protection Conferences and Review Conferences.
• Lead multi-agency safeguarding discussions and decision making.
• Ensure children's voices and lived experiences are central to planning.
• Oversee and challenge safeguarding plans where necessary.
• Promote the Strengthening Families approach and trauma-informed practice.
• Work collaboratively with Social Workers, managers and partner agencies.
• Support quality assurance and continuous service improvement.
• Review safeguarding practice and monitor performance standards.
• Ensure statutory child protection procedures are followed.
• Contribute to improved outcomes for children and families.
• Provide professional challenge where safeguarding concerns arise.
• Maintain accurate records and conference documentation.

Skills

Child protection knowledge

Chairing multi-agency meetings

Children's Social Care experience

Assessment, analysis and decision‑mak

Managing complex safeguarding cases

Communication and relationship skills

Workload management

Partnership working

Leadership/management experience

Quality assurance

IRO/Review service experience

Job description

Birmingham, United Kingdom | Posted on 22/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

4 Months Contract with a Local Authority

Job Purpose

As a Principal Officer (Child Protection Chair), you will lead and chair multi‑agency Child Protection Conferences, ensuring effective safeguarding arrangements are in place for vulnerable children and young people. You will play a key role in quality assurance, decision‑making, and the development of robust child protection and safety planning processes.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Chair Child Protection Conferences and Review Conferences.
• Lead multi‑agency safeguarding discussions and decision making.
• Ensure children's voices and lived experiences are central to planning.
• Oversee and challenge safeguarding plans where necessary.
• Promote the Strengthening Families approach and trauma‑informed practice.
• Work collaboratively with Social Workers, managers and partner agencies.
• Support quality assurance and continuous service improvement.
• Review safeguarding practice and monitor performance standards.
• Ensure statutory child protection procedures are followed.
• Contribute to improved outcomes for children and families.
• Provide professional challenge where safeguarding concerns arise.
• Maintain accurate records and conference documentation.

Essential Experience Required

• Strong knowledge of Child Protection processes and safeguarding legislation.
• Experience chairing multi‑agency meetings.
• Experience working within Children's Social Care.
• Strong assessment, analysis and decision‑making skills.
• Experience managing complex safeguarding cases.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong partnership working experience.
• Management or leadership experience.
• Quality Assurance experience.
• Reviewing Officer or Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) experience.
• Experience within a Child Protection and Reviewing Service.

Additional Information to Note

• Attendance at Child Protection Conferences Required.
• Travel between Birmingham offices and conference venues may be required.
• Proof of Qualifications Required.
• We work on bi‑weekly payment schedule.