Website THE DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
About the Panel
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel is an independent body established by the UK Government in 2018. Its mission is to help prevent the serious harm, abuse, or neglect of children by learning from cases where such tragedies occur. Whenever a child dies or suffers serious harm and abuse or neglect is known or suspected, the Panel reviews the incident to draw lessons and recommend improvements.
The Panel is made up of experts with deep knowledge of the UK’s multi-agency safeguarding system. Its members bring experience from sectors including health, children’s social care, policing, education, and the third sector. The group is chaired independently and includes eight other members, one of whom is the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families.
The Panel has statutory powers to commission national reviews of serious safeguarding incidents where the issues are particularly complex or have broader significance. These reviews help inform government policy and strengthen practices across agencies responsible for child protection.
About the Role
The Panel is seeking a new member with a criminal justice background—for example, in probation, youth justice, or domestic violence prevention.
As a Panel Member, you will:
- Review serious child safeguarding incidents and help decide whether further analysis or a national review is required.
- Lead national reviews and related projects, including fieldwork, analysis, and producing recommendations.
- Share key findings with professionals and stakeholders to support learning and continuous improvement in safeguarding practices.
- This is a strategic and influential role. Panel Members engage directly with Ministers, senior government officials, practitioners, and other stakeholders to help shape safer systems for children.
You will be appointed as an individual acting in the public interest—not as a representative of any specific organisation or profession.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute your professional insights and expertise during fortnightly Panel meetings (held virtually or in London).
- Lead national reviews and provide analytical support to the Panel’s overall remit.
- Identify key lessons and recommend changes to improve child safeguarding practices at both local and national levels.
- Represent the Panel externally, including attending regional safeguarding events and engaging with practitioners.
- Serve as a regional lead, maintaining ongoing dialogue with safeguarding partners in your designated area.
- Promote the Panel’s learning and findings to support wider improvements in safeguarding.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Criminal Justice Background: You will have significant senior experience in probation, youth justice, domestic abuse, or a related area, and a clear understanding of the strategic challenges within these sectors.
- Safeguarding Expertise: Strong knowledge of child protection systems, particularly multi-agency working, and an understanding of safeguarding roles within education.
- Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess complex information, extract key insights, and think strategically about system-wide improvements.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills: Confident decision-maker with excellent communication and collaboration skills. Able to manage complex discussions, build consensus, and handle sensitive matters with care.
- Leadership and Project Delivery: Proven leadership skills and ability to independently manage and deliver review work from start to finish.
- Commitment to Equity: Demonstrated understanding of how diversity, inclusion, and equalities intersect with child safeguarding.
Time Commitment and Term
Appointment begins in November 2025.
Commitment of up to 10 days per month, including:
- Fortnightly Panel meetings
- Additional meetings with stakeholders
- Fieldwork and Secretariat collaboration
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 12 noon, 30th June 2025
For more information and to apply, please visit the UK Government Public Appointments Website.
To apply for this job please visit apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk.