Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Conference Chair

July 9, 2025
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Job Description

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 GHJ

GHJ 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.

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