Job Title: Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and Conference Chair
Employer: Barnsley Council
Rate of Pay: £40 per hour
Are you an experienced and influential Social Work professional with a passion for quality assurance and a commitment to upholding the rights of children? Barnsley Council is seeking a skilled Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and Conference Chair to join our team.
This is a pivotal role that puts you at the heart of our safeguarding and care planning processes. You will play a crucial part in ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard, their care plans are robust, and they receive the best possible support to thrive.
The Role
As an IRO and Conference Chair, you will be responsible for chairing a range of statutory meetings to scrutinise and challenge professional practice. Your primary responsibilities will include:
Chairing statutory reviews for looked after children (LAC reviews), ensuring the child's care plan meets their needs and promotes their well-being.
Leading and chairing Child Protection Conferences, ensuring all professionals and families contribute effectively to developing comprehensive Child Protection Plans.
Acting as a corporate parent to looked after children, safeguarding their rights and advocating on their behalf to resolve issues and challenge poor practice.
Providing quality assurance by critically analysing social work assessments and plans, ensuring they meet statutory requirements and professional standards.
Monitoring progress on care plans and Child Protection Plans and escalating concerns to senior management where plans are not progressing effectively.
Building a strong rapport with children and young people, ensuring their wishes, feelings, and views are at the center of all decision-making.
About You
We are looking for a highly skilled and resilient professional with:
A recognised Social Work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW).
Current and valid registration with Social Work England.
Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care, with a strong background in child protection and looked after children.
A comprehensive and current knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, statutory guidance for LAC and CP, and relevant case law.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and analytical skills, with the ability to chair complex meetings and influence professional practice effectively.
The ability to work independently, make robust decisions, and manage a challenging workload.
A full UK driving licence and access to a car for business use (or ability to travel efficiently).
Apply Now
If you are an exceptional social work leader ready to take on this crucial role, we would love to hear from you!
For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Fahmida Ahmed on 0784997817 or .
To apply, please submit your comprehensive CV outlining your suitability for the role .
Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.
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