At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child protection conferences and ensure children's welfare is prioritised.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Sutton, dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Earn £43.20 per hour with a supportive team and flexible locum contract.
- Other info: Referral bonus of £250 available for recommending suitable candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in child protection while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with IRO experience and SWE registration.
Location: London Borough of Sutton
Contract: Locum (Temporary)
Rate: £43.20 per hour (Umbrella)
Social Work England (SWE) registration required
IRO experience essential
Are you a skilled and experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) with a strong background in child protection? The London Borough of Sutton is seeking a Locum Child Protection Chair to support our Children's Social Care service on a temporary basis.
This is a key leadership role, where you will chair child protection conferences and contribute to high-quality safeguarding practice. You will work with a range of professionals to ensure robust, outcome-focused child protection plans are in place and effectively reviewed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Chair child protection conferences, ensuring children's voices and welfare are central.
- Develop, review, and monitor multi-agency child protection plans within statutory timescales.
- Offer professional challenge and guidance to improve outcomes and safeguarding standards.
- Deliver training and advice on child protection processes to staff and external partners.
- Remain informed on current legislation, policy, and research in safeguarding practice.
- Provide cover for the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), including chairing strategy meetings regarding allegations against professionals.
Essential Requirements:
- Qualified social worker with Social Work England registration.
- Substantial post-qualifying experience in child protection.
- Proven experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) or similar QA/chairing role.
- Confident in analysing complex information and leading multi-agency discussions.
- Strong working knowledge of safeguarding legislation and restorative practice models.
Start: ASAP
Join a committed and supportive safeguarding team where your IRO expertise will help shape better futures for vulnerable children. Apply now or get in touch to learn more.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IRO in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the child protection field, especially those who have experience as an IRO. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and policies related to child protection in the UK. Being well-versed in current practices will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interviews by practising how you would handle complex case discussions. Think about specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to lead multi-agency meetings effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to current or former IROs to gain insights into their day-to-day responsibilities and challenges. This can help you tailor your approach and show that you understand the nuances of the role during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace IRO in Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and the specific requirements for the role in the London Borough of Sutton. This will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your substantial post-qualifying experience in child protection and any previous roles as an IRO or in similar QA/chairing positions. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Skills:Clearly outline your skills in analysing complex information, leading multi-agency discussions, and your strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation. This will show that you are well-equipped for the challenges of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a tailored cover letter that not only reflects your qualifications but also your passion for child protection and safeguarding. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the team and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Brown Synergy
✨Showcase Your IRO Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer. Discuss specific cases where you successfully chaired child protection conferences and how you ensured children's voices were central to the process.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation
Be prepared to discuss current legislation and policies related to child protection. Show that you are informed about recent changes and how they impact safeguarding practices, as this will demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Prepare for Multi-Agency Discussions
Since the role involves leading multi-agency discussions, think of examples where you effectively collaborated with various professionals. Be ready to explain how you navigated complex information and facilitated productive conversations.
✨Emphasise Training and Guidance Skills
Highlight any experience you have in delivering training or advice on child protection processes. This is crucial for the role, so be specific about how you've helped improve outcomes and standards in previous positions.
