At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful meetings and ensure every child's voice is heard in decision-making.
- Company: Join Telford & Wrekin Council, an Outstanding Local Authority dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting transformation journey with excellent career progression and a culture that values you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while being part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 5+ years in children's social care and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 53317 - 56551 £ per year.
Location: Telford
Salary: 53,317 - 56,551 per year
Employment: Full time
Category: Social Work
Posted: Apply: Telford & Wrekin Council
Children’s Independent Reviewing Officer & Conference Chair
Salary includes market factor where applicable. Full reimbursement of Social Work England registration fee. Essential Car User Allowance.
Ready to make a real difference in an Outstanding Local Authority? Do you have the skill to peel back the layers and truly see the whole child? Are you driven by relationships, fairness, and ensuring every young person feels heard, valued, and supported? If so — Telford & Wrekin wants to meet you.
Why Our Children and Young People Need YOU
- Practitioners who understand there’s more beneath the surface
- Genuine care, kindness, and empathy
- Adults who really listen — to their hopes, worries, and dreams
- Clear, honest communication
- A belief in family, belonging, and the importance of relationships
Our “family first” ethos means we champion children staying within their birth families and networks wherever possible. When this isn’t achievable, we work tirelessly to ensure their relationships are protected, their identity is honoured, and their voice stays central in every decision.
Why This Is an Amazing Time to Join Us
We’re on an exciting journey of transformation — embedding strengths-based practice, driving continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional experiences for children and families. Our IROs & Conference Chairs are crucial to this mission. You’ll ensure plans are meaningful, child-centred, ambitious, and compliant with statutory standards — and you’ll respectfully challenge where things need to change. In Telford & Wrekin, relationships lead the way. As Chair, you will make sure every child’s voice is not only heard — but acted upon.
Who We’re Looking For
- A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
- At least 5 years post-qualified with strong experience in children’s social care
- Confident in relevant legislation and guidance (IRO Handbook, Working Together, Care Planning Regulations)
- Skilled at building relationships, resolving concerns, and promoting best practice
- Comfortable working both virtually and face‑to‑face
- Passionate about ensuring every plan drives positive outcomes
- Able to analyse information, manage complex meetings, and negotiate effectively
We Invest in You
Our workforce is at the heart of our success. You’ll benefit from tailored in-house training, access to the West Midlands Teaching Partnership, strong leadership, visible support, and a culture where you’re valued.
Proud to Be Outstanding — Again!
Telford & Wrekin Council has been rated Outstanding for the second time — the only Local Authority in the West Midlands to achieve this. Here’s what Ofsted said (April 2024):
- “Children and families receive exceptional social work practice.”
- “Participation is a real strength.”
- “Social workers know their children well.”
- “The virtual school is a significant strength.”
- “Care leavers benefit from a generous and comprehensive local offer.”
- “Corporate parenting is a strength.”
- “Workforce stability creates the perfect environment for children to thrive.”
- “Staff feel valued and supported by visible leaders.”
There has never been a better moment to become part of this success. To find out more, visit our recruitment pages or get in touch: click on the links below to view the job description and person specification.
We believe great services start with great people — and that means building a workforce that reflects our community. At Telford & Wrekin Council, everyone belongs, and every voice matters. A CV template is available if you do not already have a CV.
What we offer:
- Competitive salaries and a fantastic leave package — starting at 24 days, rising to 32 days with service, plus 8 bank holidays and an extra concessionary day to enjoy.
- Flexible working & career progression
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Staff discounts & salary sacrifice perks
- Free parking & confidential wellbeing support
- Hybrid working model - whether you're in the office or working from home, we support a balance that fits your personal and family commitments
- Private lettings are available from ‘Nuplace’ who give priority to social work professionals
Find out further information about working at Telford & Wrekin Council including our full list of benefits. Roles involving children or vulnerable adults will require a criminal records check. It’s an offence to apply if you’re barred from working with these groups.
Please note: We do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.
Independent Reviewing Officer and Conference Chair in Telford employer: Telford & Wrekin Council
Telford & Wrekin Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment where Adult Social Care is pivotal to the borough's future. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, employees benefit from a culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional growth. As part of a forward-thinking council, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that directly impact the lives of residents in one of England's fastest-growing areas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer and Conference Chair in Telford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Telford & Wrekin Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Telford & Wrekin Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Telford & Wrekin Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Telford & Wrekin Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer and Conference Chair in Telford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Telford & Wrekin Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Telford & Wrekin Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Telford & Wrekin Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
