Independent Reviewing Officer in Dorchester

Independent Conference & Reviewing Manager (IRO / Child Protection Chair) Dorset Council Children's Services 3-Month Interim Contract £47.50 per hour (Umbrella) 30 Hours per Week Over 4 DaysConnect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, offering temporary, contract and interim opportunities within the Council. Our work is guided by strong values ethical practice, trust, and genuine care and every penny of our profit goes back into supporting our Local Authority communities. Make a difference to the lives of Dorset's most vulnerable children and young people. Dorset Council is looking for an experienced and skilled Independent Conference & Reviewing Manager to join our Quality Assurance and Safeguarding Service. This is an influential role where you'll act as the independent chair for Child Protection Conferences, Looked After Children (LAC) Reviews, Secure Accommodation Reviews and other statutory meetings, ensuring children's plans remain focused, effective and outcome driven. You'll provide robust challenge, quality assurance and professional oversight across Children's Services, helping to drive practice improvement and ensure that every child receives the support, protection and advocacy they need. Key Responsibilities Chair Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Children Reviews. Act as Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) in line with statutory guidance. Monitor the progress and effectiveness of care plans and child protection plans. Provide independent scrutiny and challenge where practice or outcomes fall below expected standards. Escalate concerns and support resolution where there are delays or risks affecting children. Offer expert advice and guidance on safeguarding, child protection and looked after children procedures. Contribute to quality assurance, audits, performance monitoring and service improvement. Work collaboratively with social workers, managers and multi-agency partners including Health, Education, Police and CAFCASS. Ensure the voice of the child remains central to all planning and decision-making. Support the development of policy, practice standards and continuous improvement across Children's Services.About You Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration. Significant post-qualifying experience within Children's Social Care. Extensive knowledge of child protection, safeguarding and looked after children legislation. Experience chairing complex multi-agency meetings. Ability to provide independent challenge and professional scrutiny. Strong communication, analytical and report-writing skills. Commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families. Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and partner agencies.Contract Details 3-month interim contract £47.50 per hour (Umbrella) 30 hours per week worked over 4 days Mileage paid at 55p per mile You must be able to travel across the region Face-to-face attendance required for conferences, reviews and meetings Flexible working arrangements outside of scheduled meetings where appropriate Why Join Dorset Council? Competitive salary and benefits package. Flexible and hybrid working opportunities. Supportive leadership and collaborative culture. Opportunity to influence safeguarding practice and service development. Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities. Work within a council guided by the values of Respect, Together, Accountability, Openness and Curiosity. Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates