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- Tasks: Lead child protection conferences and ensure effective planning for children's safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Barnsley Children’s Services, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, training opportunities, and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's futures while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and chairing complex meetings required.
- Other info: Regular supervision and development opportunities to help you grow.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 54495 £ per year.
Position reference: 50063226
Directorate: Children’s Services | Service: Children & Family Social Care
Salary: £51,356 - £54,495 plus laptop
Working Arrangements: Agile working - minimum 3 days in the office
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
We are happy to talk flexible working arrangements with you; please get in touch. See our range of employee rewards and benefits.
Closing date: 06/02/2026 at 23:59.
About the Post
We are currently looking to recruit a full-time Child Protection Conference Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join Barnsley Children’s Services and play a key role in driving, planning and promoting positive outcomes for children subject to child protection plans. You will chair child protection conferences, oversee and quality assure planning and decision-making processes, and promote the child’s voice to support safe, aspirational and creative plans.
Responsibilities
- Chair child protection conferences and oversee the planning and decision-making processes for each child.
- Ensure robust plans are in place and promote the child’s voice in the process.
- Meet with families ahead of conferences to support understanding of the process.
- Attend child discussion meetings and provide thorough analysis when legal advice is considered.
- Ensure midway reviews are conducted between conferences to track progress of the child’s plan.
- Conduct all conferences face to face in Barnsley to support effective meetings.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Substantial experience in statutory social work with children and families.
- Experience chairing complex meetings and working within a multi-agency framework.
- Strong knowledge of the legal framework relating to child protection, including the Children Act and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Additional Information
We offer regular supervision, appraisal, training and development opportunities to promote positive outcomes for young people. We value honesty, teamwork, excellent service, and pride in work, with a development process to support growth and flexible learning.
For further information, contact Lexi Preston, Service Manager (LexiPreston@barnsley.gov.uk). Interviews will be held on 17 February 2026.
Application and Policies
CVs are not accepted for this role. When applying, ensure you are prepared with necessary legal documents (e.g., valid visa). The organisation does not possess a Home Office sponsorship license and cannot sponsor visas for skilled or temporary migrant workers. Pensions regulations may affect entitlements if you return to work within local government service; seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority. Barnsley Council is inclusive and values diversity; we welcome applicants with past convictions.
www.barnsley.gov.uk/jobs
Independent Reviewing Officer /Conference Chair in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Council
Contact Detail:
Barnsley Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer /Conference Chair in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Barnsley Children’s Services and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or family member. Focus on articulating your experience in statutory social work and how it relates to the role of an Independent Reviewing Officer. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your engagement and helps you assess if the role and team are the right fit for you. Think about what you want to know regarding their approach to child protection.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re all about making the process as smooth as possible for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer /Conference Chair in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what the role entails. Highlight key responsibilities and requirements that resonate with your experience. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your skills in child protection and multi-agency work. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the legal framework surrounding child protection, especially the Children Act and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've chaired complex meetings or worked within a multi-agency framework. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Emphasise the Child's Voice
Be ready to discuss how you promote the child's voice in planning and decision-making processes. Share any strategies or techniques you've used to ensure that children's perspectives are heard and valued.
✨Engage with Families
Talk about your approach to meeting families before conferences. Highlight how you support their understanding of the process and how this contributes to better outcomes for children. This shows your commitment to collaboration and effective communication.
