• Suffolk County Council – West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU or Riverside, Lowestoft NR33 0EQ - Hybrid
• £49,887 - £57,025 per annum depending on experience (pro rata for part time)
• 2 posts available - Flexible working options available
• Permanent and Fixed Term/Secondment

We’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us in the role of an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Child Protection Conference Chair and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.

We have two positions available:

Position 1 - 37 hours based in the West, up to 10 month fixed term/secondment.

Position 2 - 18.5 hours based in the North on a permanent basis.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

A great opportunity to join Suffolk County Council's Safeguarding and Reviewing Officer Service as an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Child Protection Conference Chair.

These roles are part of a County service with locations in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft.

You will:

• be responsible for the effective delivery of safeguarding services for children in care and those subject to child protection plans throughout the County
• work with and embed the Suffolk signs of safety and wellbeing practice framework. The framework is having a positive impact on practice development, effective engagement with families, staff morale and motivation across the service
• be responsible for chairing Children in Care reviews and also act as Child Protection Conference Chair in initial and review child protection meetings
• conduct a meticulous review of children’s care plans, ensuring that key actions and responsibilities are being undertaken and most importantly ensuring a child’s safety and wellbeing is met either in a suitable placement as a Child in Care or in a family setting under a CP plan.

You will need to:

• have a Social Work England registration
• have a recognised social work qualification and experience at a management level
• provide strategic leadership and work closely with operational management
• be skilled at including the views of Children and Families in their planning
• have considerable experience of children in care and child protection
• provide knowledge of current research and legislation
• be providing reports and analysis to directorate management on safeguarding issues
• demonstrate effective Multi-Agency working
• provide scrutiny of care and child protection plans
• be responsible for achieving compliance against standards/operational requirements
• be willing to attend/chair meetings at a variety of locations throughout Suffolk and wider as necessary
• be a regulation 44 visitor to the Suffolk County Council children’s homes, including monthly reporting on effectiveness to safeguard children and the conduct of the homes.

Our council is led by an enthusiastic and capable team of leaders and managers, who are committed to working together, striving to improve and provide the best possible services. If you can join us with the same commitment, then we welcome you to Suffolk, which is a great place to work because of this.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The IRO’s are divided into 3 geographical teams and this opportunity predominantly covers responsibilities in the West or North of the County.

The IRO/CP Chairs within Suffolk are all experienced and competent managers who bring a strong sense of mission to the important role of ensuring, with operational colleagues, the best possible outcomes for the children with whom they work.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Caren Russell (County Safeguarding Manager) for a casual conversation with regards to Position 1. You can reach them by calling 01473 263605 (direct line) 07714922839 (mobile) or emailing caren.russell@suffolk.gov.uk

Please contact Craig Campbell (County Safeguarding Manager) for a casual conversation with regards to Position 2 . You can reach them by calling 01502 674612 (direct line) 07717302132 (mobile) or emailing craig.campbell@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk

Closing date: 11.30pm, 9 February 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).