How do we sum up Barnsley Council?
In Barnsley we believe in working collaboratively with our families. When you join us, you can come on this exciting journey with us and have access to a full suite of development and training opportunities.
We are an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ Childrens Services and a double award-winning, high-performing council with a growing economy, a thriving town centre and some truly impressive outcomes in our communities. We have been awarded Council of the Year for 2023 by the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) and The Municipal Journal (MJ). Our excellent Children's Services has been a key part of our win; we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved not just for the council but for our partners and Barnsley.
We’re impressed. Are you? It’s the perfect time to join our excellent team.
About the Post:
We are currently looking to recruit a full-time Child Protection Conference Chair.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Barnsley Children’s Services and have a key role in driving, planning and promoting positive outcomes for children subject to child protection plans. We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed and experienced child protection conference chair who is passionate about the wellbeing and outcomes for children.
You will be responsible for chairing child protection conferences. Your primary focus will be to oversee and quality assure the planning and decision-making processes for each child, ensuring robust plans are in place. This involves understanding and promoting the child’s voice and driving plans that are aspirational and creative for children to support their safety.
You will meet with families ahead of each conference to support their understand of the conference process and you will attend child discussion meetings and share a thorough analysis for when legal advice is being considered. You will ensure that midway reviews are conducted between each conference to ensure the child’s plan is progressing. All conferences are face to face in Barnsley as we recognise this is best practice and ensures a more effective meeting is conducted.
You will need substantial experience in statutory social work with children and families, of chairing complex meetings and of working within a multi-agency framework. You will have a thorough working knowledge of the legal framework relating to child protection including the Children Act and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
You will join a friendly, supportive and committed team and play a full part in its operation and ongoing development. You will receive regular supervision, appraisal, training and development opportunities, all aimed at promoting positive outcomes for young people and supporting your career development and progression.
We live and work by four important values: honesty, teamwork, excellent service, and taking pride in what we do. As part of our team, you can be assured we will support you in striving for excellence in your work. We prioritise learning and enabling you to achieve your potential. So we’ve created a development process that lets you grow in the way that suits you - whether that’s training to be a leader, or learning flexibly online.
For further information please contact Lexi Preston Service Manager LexiPreston@barnsley.gov.uk
Interviews will be held on the 17th February 2026