Description Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced, committed, and passionate Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Conference Chair to join our Children’s Social Care team. This vital role supports our mission to achieve the best outcomes for children in our care and those in need of protection. You will work at the heart of our service, providing independent oversight and challenge to ensure children’s voices are heard, their plans are robust, and their safety and wellbeing are prioritised. Responsibilities Chair statutory reviews for children in our care, ensuring plans are child-centred, outcome-focused, and in line with the IRO Handbook and legislative requirements Form positive relationships with children to ensure their views inform decision-making Oversee and scrutinise care planning from the point of entry into care, promoting stability and permanence Act as a Conference Chair for Child Protection Conferences, ensuring plans to protect children are realistic, timely, and effective Hold partner agencies to account in their corporate parenting and safeguarding responsibilities Provide robust challenge where needed and evidence the impact of your interventions Maintain clear, comprehensive, and analytical records using council IT systems Contribute to the wider development and high standards of social work practice, promoting relational and trauma-informed approaches Requirements Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England Extensive post-qualifying experience in children’s services, particularly child protection and children in care In-depth understanding of relevant legislation, statutory frameworks, and current practice models Confident chairing complex meetings and overseeing multi-agency plans Skilled in risk analysis, safeguarding, and quality assurance Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently with calm authority and resilience Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle How to Apply If you are interested, please call Chris Richardson on 01772 208964 or email me your CV – Christopher.richardson@servicecare.org.uk If this role isn’t right for you, but you know someone who would fit perfectly to our engaged and devoted team and you refer them, you will receive a referral bonus of £350. The benefits of working with SCS: A specialist dedicated Social Work consultant offering single point of contact. Exceptional referral bonuses - £350 per referral placed in to work! An extensive & exclusive range of Social Work vacancies across the UK Nationwide provider Social Work staff to over 200 local authorities. Payroll service twice a week. Ltd and PAYE payment options available. Annual training budget of up to £250 and continued online CPD training. Excellent Annual Loyalty schemes / bonuses. DBS disclosures provided via fast-track online services free of charge.