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Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Chair
Are you ready to be at the forefront of child protection? We’re looking for an exceptional leader to take on the vital role of Child Protection Conference Chair, a position that plays a direct and meaningful part in safeguarding vulnerable children in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and the Berkshire Child Protection Procedures.
You will lead complex multi-agency child protection conferences, bringing professionals together to make robust, timely decisions that improve outcomes for children and young people. You will monitor the quality of social work practice, scrutinise child protection plans, and confidently challenge where actions are not achieving the best possible impact.
If you are passionate about safeguarding, skilled in multi-agency working, and driven to ensure every child’s safety and wellbeing, we would welcome your application.
We’re proud that Ofsted has rated our Windsor and Maidenhead services as Good, recognising our commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality support for children and families.
Operational area Windsor and Maidenhead Primary place of work Maidenhead Town Hall, SL6 1LF Work Setting Hybrid Working Appointment type Fixed Term Length of contract 12 months Business area Children's Social Care Full time/Part time Full-time Salary from £55,829(G10.57) Salary to £60,869 (G10.60) Hours 37 Estimated Interview date/s TBC Closing Date 19/04/2026 Job Reference 2259 Documents
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About the role
2. Ensure that reviews/conferences are chaired in line with Departmental and LSCP policy and procedures as well as Governmental guidance (e.g. Working Together).
3. In Child protection conferences, to make decisions about the risk of significant harm and where required ensure that an effective multi-disciplinary Child Protection Plan is agreed upon.
4. Ensure attention is paid to children’s participation and rights, eliciting their wishes and feelings in planning for them or reviewing their care arrangements. In particular to ensure that a child is seen independently when old enough and is aware of his/her right to complain and the possibility of advocacy.
5. Undertake any further duties consistent with the post, grade and objectives and work of the Quality Assurance & Safeguarding Service as directed by the Quality Assurance Manager.
This job description is not exhaustive. The postholder will be expected to adopt an adaptable attitude to the duties which may have to be varied subject to the needs of the service and in keeping with the general profile of the post. For an informal chat please feel to contact Tariq Kashmiri at
Please note that this is a 12 month fixed term contract position.
About you
6. You must have significant Team Lead/Manager or IRO experience and be ready to step straight into the role.
7. A diploma in Social Work or equivalent Social Work qualification and be Social Work England Registered
8. Have a substantial post qualification experience of working as a child care social worker in a statutory agency.
9. Experience as a Child Protection Conference Chair/Independent Reviewing Officer in a statutory setting.
10. Experience of team management, performance management, training and supervision.
Important Information
Internal start dates: Start dates will be agreed once all pre-transfer checks are completed. The usual transfer date will be in line with employees contracts unless agreement is reached between the existing and new line manager.
Pre-transfer checks: Internal moves are subject to satisfactory references being provided.
Disability and reasonable adjustments: We encourage internal candidates to declare any reasonable adjustments they require to enable them to fulfil the functions of the role. Existing line managers will be asked to provide any details of workplace adjustments to support any transition with the new line manager.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.