Independent Reviewing & Child Protection Officer in Bracknell

If you are passionate about high-quality safeguarding, confident decision-making and championing children's rights, this is an opportunity to bring your experience as a Child Protection Chair and Independent Reviewing Officer to a supportive and ambitious council. At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.

This role includes an expectation to work from our Time Square main office or other work locations for all meetings, conferences and Children Looked After Reviews in placements, alongside flexible working arrangements from home. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated Child Protection Chair and Independent Reviewing Officer to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children. Working at the heart of our safeguarding service, you will use your knowledge, experience and professional influence to challenge, support and improve practice across the organisation.

You will have proven experience leading Child Looked After Reviews, Child Protection Conferences and other complex meetings, helping to ensure every child receives the protection, support and opportunities they deserve. You will be Social Work England registered. We are a small, highly experienced team of professionals who work collaboratively to make a real difference for children and young people. We are committed to maintaining a strong focus on our statutory responsibilities, guided by frameworks such as the Bracknell Forest Child Protection Procedures, Working Together, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and the IRO Handbook. Together, we strive to deliver high-quality oversight and support that promotes positive outcomes for children subject to child protection plans and children in care.

We have high aspirations for all our children and work closely with partners to ensure they are safe within their families and supported to achieve their full potential in stable care arrangements. As a Child Protection Chair and Independent Reviewing Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Quality assuring the care planning arrangements for each child, ensuring their wishes and feelings fully contribute to the planning for them and in line with the statutory guidance for Independent Reviewing Officers.
• Chairing of child protection conferences and related quality assurance activity in line with child protection procedures and ensuring the voice of the child is central to the safeguarding arrangements for them.
• Contributing to service and directorate wide quality assurance activity to support learning and development across the workforce.

Children's services are currently progressing its Families First transformation programme. Any proposed changes would be managed in accordance with the council's relevant consultation processes and policies.

28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years' continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days. Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover. Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility). Reimbursement of Social Work England registration. Terms and Conditions apply.

Career development through internal and external training opportunities. Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing. Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities.

Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be an inclusive employer. This means that if you have made us aware on the application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or you are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible. Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process. Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience of working within the current Social Care System and Framework.