We have an excellent opportunity for a Child Employment Officer to join our Education Welfare Team within Children’s Services at Wokingham Borough Council, on a part-time, permanent basis.

In this role, you will carry out essential statutory duties by issuing work permits, performance licences, and BOPAs to ensure children and young people can participate in employment and performances lawfully. You will lead investigations into alleged offences to prevent exploitation, enforce relevant legislation, and collaborate with Trading Standards and Environmental Health Officers to safeguard child welfare across the borough.

You will also develop and deliver training for approved chaperones, issue necessary approvals, and provide expert advice and support to schools, parents, and professionals on work and performance-related matters. Acting as a key contact for internal and external partners, you will ensure all processes adhere to strict safeguarding standards while championing the principles of corporate parenting.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a tactful, resilient, and diplomatically skilled individual with experience working with children and families, a solid understanding of child employment regulations, and the ability to work autonomously to join our team.

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave – 28 days annual leave FTE (rising by 5 days FTE after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme

⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week

⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And more!

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support, publicity and advice to schools, professionals, parents and children and young people on work and performance related matters.
• Issue work permits for young people who wish to be in part-time work, as well as issuing performance licences to enable children to take part in performances.
• Conduct announced and unannounced visits of local Dance and Theatre Companies, as well as Film Studios, to ensure that appropriate regulations are being adhered to.
• Build relationships and liaise with other local authorities and be an integral part of the Child Employment Network, and will work with WBC market inspectors, Trading Standards and Environmental Health Officers.
• Develop and deliver training to chaperones and tutors who are approved by WBC as suitable persons

Candidate Requirements

• 5 GCSE's or equivalent (grade 4 or above), 2 A levels or equivalent
• Full UK Driving License and daily access to a car
• Strong knowledge of Child Employment related regulations and laws
• Knowledge of the legal powers and duties governing the local authority in relation to Child Employment and Performances.
• Have an awareness of safeguarding processes.
  
  

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money. 

Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Click the link below and apply Today! 

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Carole Vernon, Principal Education Welfare Officer, via carole.vernon@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: 10^th June 2026 at 11pm

Interview date: 12^th June 2026 time to be confirmed

AI in Applications:

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.