Independent Chair - Child Protection Committee

Job Description

East Ayrshire Council is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced person to chair our local Child Protection Committee (CPC). The Independent Chair ensures that the Committee fulfils its duties in accordance with national guidance and legislation. The Chair leads and contributes to service development and continuous improvement, oversees effective quality assurance and self-evaluation processes, provides strategic public protection leadership, linking with other relevant strategic groups and undertakes all associated Committee Chair responsibilities and functions.The Committee reports to the East Ayrshire Chief Officer Group. The Independent Chair makes a significant contribution to the overall Public Protection framework in East Ayrshire and is fully supported by the Child Protection Lead Officer, as well as the wider Protection & Learning Team hosted within East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership.

Requirements

The Independent Chair is appointed as an independent consultant and will work between 2-3 days per month, up to a maximum of 36 days per year. This is managed and overseen through the professional support provided by the Senior Manager – Protection & Learning. The Independent Chair will have flexibility to work from home in preparation for Committee meetings but will need to be available in-person to chair one half-day Committee and attend one half-day Chief Officer Group (COG) per quarter. There may be additional working requirements on an as required basis in relation to additional oversight responsibilities, development sessions, national activities and local events. Remuneration is £50 per hour plus travel expenses. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by East Ayrshire Council. Please find attached the full Job Advert, Job Description and Person Specification along with additional information relevant to this role. A copy of the Children and Young People's Service Plan can be provided on request. Please email michelle.morrison@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Responsibilities

The duties of the post involve Regulated Work with children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Successful applicants for such posts will be required to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member in respect of Regulated Work with either or both of these groups as appropriate, or if they are already a Scheme member, be subject to a PVG Scheme Record Update, before any formal offer of employment can be made by East Ayrshire Council. Please note: PVG members' records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant prior to any formal offer of employment being made.

The Individual

The appointment is on an initial 3 year temporary basis. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 7 April 2026. Interviews for the post will take place in person on Wednesday, 29 April 2026. For further information about this role, please contact Dale Meller (Senior Manager – Protection & Learning) on 01563 554760 or dale.meller@east-ayrshire.gov.uk