The Independent Chair will work for a maximum of 24 days a year on a consultancy basis.

Portsmouth has an effective and well established Safeguarding Children Board rated 'good' at the last Ofsted inspection. We have a proactive and effective leadership approach to identifying the key priorities for safeguarding within the city and this is supported by very good partnership working and enthusiastic, skilled and committed staff at all levels.

The current Independent Chair is now moving on and we are looking for a new person to fulfil this role and lead the transition arrangements in the light of the Children & Social Work Act 2017. You will need to be an experienced, self-motivated and highly effective individual to take on the role of Independent Chair. Through an explicit focus on achieving better outcomes for children and young people and effective leadership, you will champion the safeguarding of children in Portsmouth. You will have extensive experience in the leadership of partnerships, a sound knowledge of strategic and operational safeguarding and a real desire to make a difference to the lives of our most vulnerable children and families. The role involves work for up to 24 days a year on a consultancy basis and the fee is fixed at 550 per day (8 hour day). If you believe you have the strategic vision and personal qualities to influence and lead safeguarding in Portsmouth we would like to invite you to submit an application.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact: Alison Jeffery, Director for Children, Families and Education, David Williams, Chief Executive, Reg Hooke, Current Independent Chair

Closing Date for applications: 11th August 2017 Interviews are scheduled for: 1st September 2017

Please note that following the IR35 changes in April 2017, it is the Council's policy that all individuals working for us must be treated as employees or workers paid through the payroll system, unless there is evidence which supports their self-employment status for the work they do. The post holder to the PSCB Chair role will be deemed as an 'office holder' and as such payments to the individual office holder must go through the payroll in the same way as employees for tax and NIC purposes.

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is also committed to promoting quality childcare across the City that works to improve outcomes for children.

DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children's Board safer recruitment procedures.