Are you passionate about ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people?
West Berkshire Council is seeking an experienced and dedicated Independent Reviewing Officer/Lead Child Protection Professional to join our Quality Assurance and Safeguarding Service. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people, working alongside a team of professionals committed to delivering high‑quality services.
The Role
As an Independent Reviewing Officer/Lead Child Protection Professional, you will be responsible for:
* Ensuring effective oversight and scrutiny of individual cases through the Independent Reviewing Officer function.
* Leading and coordinating Child Protection Conferences to safeguard children from harm.
* Working collaboratively with Service Managers to ensure appropriate levels of safeguarding and quality of care.
* Providing expert advice and guidance on safeguarding issues.
* Contributing to the overall quality assurance processes within the Children and Family Services.
* Reviewing progress against children’s plans and ensuring that children and young people’s views are heard and taken into account.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:
* Extensive experience working within a Children and Family Services environment, with a strong background in safeguarding and child protection.
* Qualified Social Worker with appropriate registration.
* In‑depth knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and best practices.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and professionals.
* Strong organisational and time‑management abilities, with the capacity to manage conflicting priorities.
* Experience in leading and facilitating multi‑agency meetings.
* Ability to analyse complex information and make informed decisions.
Why Work for West Berkshire Council?
West Berkshire Council offers a range of excellent employment benefits, including:
* Flexible working arrangements to promote work‑life balance.
* Access to a wide range of relevant training and development opportunities.
* Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Family‑friendly policies.
* A range of local discounts.
* Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 30 days per annum (plus public holidays) rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.
Equal Opportunities
The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post‑holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.
This role requires the incumbent to have a car available at work to undertake his/her duties, as he will be expected to undertake at least 1,500 business miles per year. Essential Car User status attracts a lump‑sum allowance paid on a monthly basis and will be reviewed annually to ensure only employees driving 1,500 miles or more receive this allowance.
This role involves regulated activity with children. As such, appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with the relevant Barred List(s).
In this post you will be required to maintain continuous registration with the DBS Update Service for the duration of your employment.
This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications
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