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CHILD SAFEGUARDING PRACTICE REVIEW PANEL
RECRUITMENT OF A PANEL MEMBER WITH POLICE SAFEGUARDING EXPERIENCE
Information for applicants
April 2018
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Recruitment of a panel member with police safeguarding experienceIn March this year Government appointed Edward Timpson, CBE, to chair the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel (‘the Panel’). Edward is a former MP and Minister for Children and Families, with a working background as a family barrister.
In April we held interviews for member positions of the Panel. As advertised, we were looking for a range of candidates with diverse experience and skills, including three members with experience from the three key sectors responsible for safeguarding children – health, the police and local authorities. Ministers felt they had appointable candidates from the local authority and health sectors, but would like to give another opportunity for individuals with police safeguarding experience to apply for the role in order to attract a larger of range of candidates.
We are therefore reopening the competition for individuals with police safeguarding experience. Individuals who applied to the previous competition are welcome to apply again.
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About the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel (‘the Panel’)The Panel’s job
The Panel will meet regularly to decide whether to commission national reviews of child safeguarding cases that are notified to them. Their decision will be based on the possibility of identifying improvements from cases which they view as complex or of national importance.
The Panel will be responsible for supervising reviews they commission, ensuring they are of a satisfactory quality, that timely progress is made and that improvements that should be made by safeguarding partners or others can be easily identified. To do this, the Panel will have its own statutory powers, independent of Government and make its own decisions.
Cases that the Panel decide do not warrant a national review may still be reviewed at a local level by local safeguarding partners.
Background
In 2015, the Government asked Alan Wood to undertake a fundamental review of the role and functions of Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs).
Published in May 2016, the Wood Review found widespread agreement that the current system of local safeguarding arrangements needed to change in order to improve. The Government broadly accepted those recommendations and last year legislated for changes in the Children and Social Work Act 2017.
Under the new arrangements, local authorities will no longer be required to establish LSCBs. Instead there will be a duty on the three safeguarding partners – local authorities, the police and health – to work together. This approach will embed flexibility and transparency into how local safeguarding partners work together.
The Act will also create a new system of learning, with serious case reviews (SCRs) being replaced by national and local reviews. Local authorities will be required to notify the Panel of cases where a child dies or is seriously harmed and abuse or neglect is known or suspected. If the Panel decide a case is particularly complex or of national importance they may commission a national review. Local safeguarding partners will continue to be responsible for arranging reviews of cases that could lead to learning specific to their areas.
The current national panel of independent experts on Serious Case Reviews
The national panel of independent experts has been operational since 2013. Their role has been to support LSCBs with independent advice about the initiation and publication of SCRs.
This panel will cease its functions when the new panel comes into being. Further information about the panel can be found at the link at the end of this section.
Focus on Improvements
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The focus for all reviews will be to identify what improvements can be made to better promote and safeguard children’s welfare. Reviews will not be about holding anyone to account, for which there are already established processes in place.
In order to make sure lessons are shared and learning implemented, the DfE has set up a What Works Centre (WWC) for Children’s Social Care, which will receive national and local reviews. The WWC will collate findings, identify themes, and disseminate lessons about what works in children’s services.
The Panel will also benefit from the WWC’s overview of what lessons are already being learned, so that when it comes to deciding if a national review is necessary, the Panel can make an informed decision about whether a review will add to, rather than duplicate, current learning.
To secure the flow of learning between the Panel and the WWC, we will reserve one panel member space for a representative from the WWC, who will join the Panel. That person will be a full panel member with the added responsibility of acting as a bridge between the Panel and the WWC. Another member position will be occupied by the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families. More information about the role of the Chief Social Worker can be found at the link at the end of this section.
The Parliamentary process
Candidates should be aware that the functions of the Panel, and therefore the continued appointment of the Chair and panel members, are subject to affirmative order regulations currently before Parliament. We are working to establish the Panel alongside the Parliamentary process, so that if the regulations are passed, the Panel will be ready to operate.
We will keep successful candidates up to date with the progress of regulations in respect to these reforms.
Further information
For further background information on the Panel, you may want to look over the following documents:
Alan Wood’s review of local safeguarding children boards Government’s response to the Wood review The Children and Social Work Act 2017 and accompanying Explanatory
Notes. Part 1 Chapter 2 covers new safeguarding arrangements. The national panel of independent experts on serious case reviews The role of the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Putting children first: the Government’s vision for children’s social care
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Role DescriptionThe members, under the leadership of the chair, Edward Timpson, CBE, will be responsible for ensuring that the reviews, under the Panel’s supervision, identify any improvements that should be made by safeguarding partners or others to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Members are appointed as individuals to fulfil the role on the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel and have a duty to act in the public interest. Members are not appointed as representatives of their particular profession, employer or interest group but it is important that there is the right balance of experience on the Panel. Our intention is therefore that this should include people with relevant sector experience including from the three safeguarding partners (local authority, police and health). We hope to be able to announce most of the Panel members, including those with local authority and health experience shortly. This post relates only to the recruitment of a member with police safeguarding experience.
Panel members will be expected to have a close working relationship with local safeguarding partners and ensure they are aware of the Panel’s decisions regarding national reviews.
Person Specification
To deliver in the role, it is essential that you are able to demonstrate:
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with others, actively and constructively contribute to discussions, negotiating between conflicting opinions and values and generating options to reach consensus;
The ability to think logically and objectively to analyse critically, synthesise and evaluate evidence and information from diverse sources and identify key issues, making effective, impartial and balanced decisions;
The ability to bring authority, knowledge, and breadth to a complex and multi-faceted issue of great public interest and importance;
The confidence to deal with difficult situations sensitively, and to take and be accountable for decisions;
An appreciation of equality and diversity and a willingness to champion difference; and
Evidence of working successfully in a professional, community or voluntary capacity on committees or other decision-making groups, and reaching impactful and timely conclusions.
Specific to your role as a member with police experience, we will be looking for you to be able to demonstrate:
Knowledge of how the child safeguarding system operates and the challenges the system faces; and/or
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Understanding of the role that the police has in promoting and safeguarding children’s welfare and of working together with other partners.
Understanding of the importance of listening to the voice and experiences of the child in serious safeguarding cases.
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How to apply
To apply, you should submit:
Your CV, in no more than two sides of A4 A supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the person specification,
in no more than two sides of A4 Diversity and Equal Opportunities All forms in the applicant information pack, which includes:
o Candidate application form (p10)o Conflict of interest (p12)o Due diligence (p13)o Political activity (p14)o Guaranteed interview scheme, if applicable (p15)o Data Protection (p16)
The closing date for applications is 13th May 2018 11.00pm.
We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date.
You can submit your application by email to: [email protected]
Please include the vacancy title in the subject box. Please submit your applications documents as separate attachments. We cannot consider incomplete or partially submitted applications.
Alternatively, you can send your application via post to:
HR, Public Appointments Ground Floor Bishopsgate House FeethamsDarlingtonDL1 5QE
Further information
Information on the timetable for this campaign, selection process, requisite security clearance, and the Advisory Assessment Panel can be found on the Centre for Public Appointments website.
If you have any questions about the role, or have any special requirements please email [email protected] or contact Rob Shearer on 020 7783 8056.
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Terms of AppointmentGeneral
The appointment of publically appointed members of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel will be made by the Secretary of State in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
There is no employment relationship between the Department for Education and the members of the Panel who will be appointed via the public appointments process.
Remuneration
Panel Members will be paid £400 per day. These rates exclude VAT and are not pensionable.
The Department will be able to reimburse travel and subsistence costs.
Tenure of appointment
Members of the Panel will be appointed on a three-year term. This is open to extension.
Termination of Appointment
The Secretary of State has the power to appoint members and to terminate the appointment if satisfied that members have become unfit or are unable to discharge their functions properly or have behaved in a way not compatible with continuing in office.
The functions of the Panel and therefore the continued appointment of the panel members, are subject to affirmative order regulations being approved by Parliament.
Time commitments
The Panel will be expected to commit at least 3 days per month to fulfil their functions, including meeting in person at a central location in London at least once a month. During the set-up phase of the Panel there is likely to be a greater time commitment needed.
The Panel will be supported by a dedicated secretariat who will support them to fulfil their functions.
Conduct
Successful candidates must adhere to the seven principles of conduct governing public life (see Annex A).
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Conflicts of interest
Candidates should declare any potential conflicts of interest prior to interview (see annex B) and throughout their tenure on the Panel if and when they arise.
Political Activities
In accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life (the Nolan Committee), candidates must declare any significant political activity in the past five years. This information will be used for monitoring purposes. However, if your application is successful the information may be released into the public domain. (Annex B)
Data protection
The Panel Chair and members may handle personal data in carrying out their remit. In doing so they shall comply with their legal obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998. The Department will support members in ensuring their DPA obligations are met.
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Candidate Application Form
Role you are applying for:
Title:Surname(s):Forename(s):
Address for Correspondence:
Primary contact number: Email address:
How did you find out about this vacancy? Please tick.
☐ Centre for Public Appointments website☐ The organisation’s website☐ Online Media. Please specify:☐ Personal Network☐ Other. Please specify:
References
Please give below the name and contact details of two people who may be asked to act as referees for you. They will be expected to have authoritative and personal knowledge of your professional achievements / competencies.
The referees will be approached only if you are invited for interview.
Referee 1
Name:
In what capacity and over what time period has the individual known you?
Primary contact number:Email address:
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Referee 2
Name:
In what capacity and over what time period has the individual known you?
Primary contact number: Email address:
Other Public Appointments
Is this your first public appointment? Please tick:
☐ Yes ☐ No
Please provide further information below.
Body Term of Appointment Remuneration
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Conflicts of Interest
Please give details in the box below of any business or other interests or any personal connections that, if you were appointed, could present a conflict of interest holding this role. These could include financial interests or share ownership, membership of societies, activities, associations or employment of a partner or friend in the particular field in which the public body operates.
Any potential or actual conflicts of interest detailed here will not prevent you going forward to interview but may, if appropriate, be explored with you during your interview to establish how you would address the issue(s) should you be successful in your application.
Do you have any interests which could pose as a conflicts of interest if you were appointed:
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please provide details below:
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Due Diligence
The Department will undertake due diligence checks on all applicants who are invited to interview. This is to identify whether an applicant has publicly said or acted in a way that is potentially in conflict with the Principles of Public Life. Due diligence checks will include social media and internet searches. Information obtained through these checks will be considered as part of the selection process.
Please give details in the box below of your previous public statements or actions that could be in conflict with the Principles of Public Life.
Do you have any issue(s) which we should be aware of:
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please provide details below:
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Political Activity
Have you undertaken any political activity for a political party in the past five years? Please tick:
☐ Yes ☐ No
If ‘Yes’, please state for what party and specify what activity (please tick).
Party name:
☐ Held office☐ Public speaking☐ Stood for election☐ Made donations to a party (Please state how much): ☐ Any other political activity (Please provider further information in the box below)
Please disclose any issue(s) which we should be aware of:
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Guaranteed Interview Scheme
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. By ‘minimum criteria’, we mean that you must provide us with evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you generally meet the level of competence required under each of the specific qualities and skills sought.
What do we mean by disability?
The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and adverse long-term effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
How do I apply?
If you want to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme simply, tick the box to confirm the declaration below and send it in with your application.
DECLARATION:
☐ I consider myself to have a disability as defined above and I would like to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme
Please return the completed form with your application
ANY FALSE DECLARATION OF DISABILITY TO OBTAIN AN INTERVIEW WILL SUBSEQUENTLY INVALIDATE ANY OFFER OF A POST
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Data Protection
The Data Protection Act 1998 requires that those providing monitoring information must give their consent to it being used, even though the individuals are not identified.
Please tick the box below show that you give your consent for information you provide to be used, anonymised, for publication of monitoring data.
I give my consent:
☐ Yes ☐ No
Future Public Appointments Opportunities
The Department advertises opportunities via the Centre for Public Appointments website. We would like to retain a copy of your CV and contact details on record for two years, and contact you when we advertise new opportunities in future.
We would like add your email address and name to our database. This is so that we are able to send you details of upcoming opportunities to apply for Public Appointment via our Newsletter.
Should you be successful at interview, but not appointed we would like to retain a copy of your CV and contact details so that we can contact you when we advertise new opportunities in future which we feel you may be suited to.
Please tick the box below to confirm whether you would like us to retain your information and contact you when we advertise new opportunities.
I give my consent to be added to the Newsletter database :
☐ Yes ☐ No
I give my consent for my CV to be kept on record for two years and to be contacted in future regarding Public Appointment vacancies
☐ Yes ☐ No
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Complaints
Please contact the Department for Education’s Public Appointments team if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at:
We will acknowledge your complaint upon receive and respond within 15 working days.
If you are not content with our response please contact the Commissioner for Public Appointments at:
Further information on complaints can be found on the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s website:
https://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/
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Principles of Public Life
In 1995, the Committee on Standards in Public Life defined seven principles which should underpin the actions of all who serve the public in any way.
Consistent with the Governance Code, applicants will be assessed on merit, and all candidates for public appointment will need to uphold the standards of conduct set out in the Seven Principles of Public Life. These will be tested as part of the selection process and the Selection Panel must satisfy itself that all candidates for appointments can meet these standards; which are:
SelflessnessHolders of Public Office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or other friends.
IntegrityHolders of Public Office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
ObjectivityCarrying out Public Office business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
AccountabilityHolders of Public Office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
OpennessHolders of Public Office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
HonestyHolders of Public Office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
LeadershipHolders of Public Office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
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