Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Conference Chair in Pontefract, West Yorkshire

JOB-20240819-db742659

Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Conference Chair

Location: Pontefract, UK
Rate: £40.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Type: Locum | Full-Time or Part-Time | Ongoing

Overview

We are currently seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and Child Protection Conference Chair to join a highly regarded Children’s Services team in Pontefract. This is a pivotal role in overseeing and improving outcomes for Looked After Children and those subject to child protection plans. You will work across a dynamic multi-agency landscape, ensuring care plans are rigorous, timely, and child-focused.

Key Benefits

• Flexible Working Options: Choose between full-time or part-time hours to suit your lifestyle and commitments.

• Competitive Pay: Earn £40.00 per hour in recognition of your experience and leadership in safeguarding.

• Professional Development: Enhance your skills in a role that offers influence, challenge, and significant responsibility.

• Diverse Experience: Gain varied exposure to practice across services, helping build a richer professional portfolio.

• Inter-agency Networking: Collaborate with professionals across multiple sectors, broadening your perspective and relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair Child Protection Conferences in accordance with statutory guidelines, driving clear planning and effective multi-agency collaboration.

• Lead Looked After Children Reviews, ensuring compliance with the IRO Handbook and placing the child’s voice at the centre of planning.

• Monitor and quality assure care plans, challenging delay, drift, or inadequate practice using formal escalation procedures.

• Act as a strong advocate for children, promoting their welfare and ensuring their views are clearly represented and actioned.

• Ensure all plans are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) and meet statutory responsibilities.

• Offer constructive challenge where professional practice or service standards fall short.

• Analyse trends across cases and contribute to service improvement initiatives through performance reports and feedback mechanisms.

Essential Criteria

• Qualified Social Worker with a degree in Social Work or equivalent.

• Social Work England registration (current and active).

• Extensive experience within safeguarding and child protection, ideally in IRO or conference chair roles.

• Proven expertise in chairing multi-agency meetings and working with complex family dynamics.

• In-depth knowledge of legislation, statutory guidance, and best practices related to child protection and Looked After Children.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills.

Why Pontefract?

Nestled in West Yorkshire, Pontefract offers the charm of a market town with strong transport links and a welcoming community. Enjoy a high quality of life with access to beautiful countryside, heritage sites, and vibrant local culture—making it an ideal base for both personal and professional growth.

About Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is a leading and award-winning recruitment agency, proudly rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot by over 1,000 professionals. We specialise in connecting top-tier social care professionals with meaningful roles across the UK, offering competitive pay rates and ongoing support.

Apply today to make a lasting impact in children’s lives while progressing in one of social care’s most vital and respected roles.

Voceer presents this job opportunity for Sanctuary Personnel, a 1000 person sized company who are categorized as a Recruitment Agency.

This position is being managed by Sanctuary Personnel, a reputable recruitment agency known for placing candidates in desirable positions.