Child Protection Chair Team Manager

Part Time 22.2 hours per week, Fixed Term for up to 12 months.

We are inviting applications for the position of Child Protection Chair - Team Manager on a fixed‑term or secondment basis for up to 12 months. This role provides an important opportunity to lead and support the delivery of high‑quality child protection services during a period of organisational change.

As we move into the next stage of the Families First reforms and the development of Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTS) in Bristol, there will be changes to current service structures, including the functions carried out by Child Protection Conference Chairs. This interim role will therefore play a key part in supporting both the continuity of current statutory processes and the development of future arrangements.

You will be responsible for providing effective leadership and management to Child Protection Chairs and Business Support colleagues. You will ensure the delivery of consistent, high‑quality, child‑centred practice and the timely progression of decision‑making within Child Protection Conferences. The role requires maintaining a strong focus on quality assurance, partnership working, and adherence to statutory safeguarding responsibilities.

In addition to operational leadership, you will contribute to the planning and implementation of new ways of working as part of the transition towards MACPT's. This includes supporting practice development, participating in strategic discussions, and helping to shape revised processes that strengthen outcomes for children, young people, and families.

We are seeking an individual with substantial safeguarding experience, a thorough understanding of child protection legislation and procedures, and the ability to manage complex and sensitive work. You will demonstrate sound judgement, high professional standards, and the confidence to provide clear leadership in challenging circumstances. A reflective, strengths‑based, and relationship‑focused approach is essential.

This role offers valuable professional development for individuals wishing to broaden their leadership experience, enhance their strategic understanding of child protection systems, and contribute meaningfully to service improvement.

If you meet the requirements and are interested in supporting the service through this important transition period, we welcome your application.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including  membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How do I apply?

If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey please select the apply button below.

To be shortlisted for interview you’ll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification within the Further Information section of your application. On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, so if you can, please demonstrate how you meet this in your application.

For permanent Bristol City Council employees, this post will be a secondment.

For employees who are currently on a fixed term contract with Bristol City Council, the secondment must not extend beyond the end of the fixed term period to ensure there is a substantive post to return to.

If you are currently a casual worker or a member of an employment agency (currently working with Bristol City Council) this post will be a fixed term contract.

We're a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

If you would like a informal discussion about the role, prior to submitting an application, please contact Nicola McGrath (Head of Service - Strategic Safeguarding & Quality Assurance) on 0117 9224483.

Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, we are therefore committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit. 

The personal information section (including your name) you’ll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.