At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding processes and chair complex meetings to support children and families.
- Company: Join the City of Wolverhampton Council, dedicated to empowering children and young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for applicants meeting essential criteria; inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with five years' experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
Independent Review Officer/Child Protection Conference Chair (Safeguarding Service) at City of Wolverhampton Council
Salary - £52,413-£56,730 (Grade 8). Hours - 37 hours per week. Contract type - full time, permanent.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the IRO/ Conference Chair role within Children’s Services. If you are seeking to develop your career in Social Work and children and young people are at the centre of everything you do, we want to hear from you.
Our vision for the Children and Young People is:
- To develop respectful and empowering relationships with children, young people and families
- To ensure children are at the centre of everything we do
- High aspirations, high expectations
Responsibilities
- Dedication to working directly with children and families to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are met.
- Chairing Complex Meetings; experience of chairing multi-agency meetings.
- Manage and oversee safeguarding processes as an Independent Reviewing Officer and Conference Chair within Safeguarding Services.
Qualifications
- Qualified Social Worker with at least five years post-qualifying experience.
- Supervisory/management experience.
- Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation; experience of chairing complex meetings; commitment to service user participation.
- Experience of managing multi-agency meetings.
- Good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to analyse and evaluate information effectively and negotiate with colleagues.
- Strong commitment to making a difference by ensuring the best outcomes for children and families.
- Social Work England registration.
This post is subject to a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
Interview and application process
- As part of the interview process, candidates will be required to undertake: A Children’s panel interview; A panel interview (incl presentation).
- Interviews (incl presentation) will take place in person on the 12th September 2025; Children’s panel interviews will take place on 13 September 2025.
- Previous Applicants Need Not Apply.
For full details of the responsibilities and requirements of this role please see the attached Job Description and Personal Specification.
Working arrangements
All council roles are allocated to either a fixed, field or flexible work style. Some roles are agile which enable and empowers employees to maximise their performance and productivity, whilst maintaining a healthy work life balance. Roles with a fixed workstyle work in a fixed permanent council location. Roles with a field workstyle are usually allocation where employees are required to be out working in the community with a minimum requirement for “touch down” space at any council location. Roles with a flexible workstyle have a flexible base location to meet the needs of the business and employees can work from a mixture of home or any council office, partner/client, or external location, as required to meet service requirements.
Please refer to the Job Description for further information on the workstyle assigned to the role you are applying for.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to building a workforce that is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We want to attract the best applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups because we strongly believe in adding value through diversity, inclusion, and equality. Our employees enable us to deliver services that are accessible, inclusive, and reflective of Wolverhampton residents. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have other recognitions to demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive workplace.
As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the essential criteria for the post.
We encourage, inspire and value an inclusive culture here at the council where employees can flourish, be themselves and have a voice.
Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
We are committed to the fair treatment of all potential employees and users of our service. The Council uses the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) where required. We do not discriminate unfairly against any individual on the basis of a conviction or any other information revealed as a result of a DBS disclosure.
Contact: Sarah Hartill (Service Manager) at sarah.hartill@wolverhampton.gov.uk or Kusam Bali (Team Manager) at Kusam.Bali@Wolverhampton.gov.uk for more information.
Attached documents: Job Description; Person Specification.
Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair in Wolverhampton employer: WMJobs
City of Wolverhampton Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, the council offers numerous opportunities for growth within the Social Work sector, ensuring that staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community. The flexible working arrangements and emphasis on work-life balance further enhance the appeal of this role, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about safeguarding and child welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair in Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and best practices in child protection and safeguarding. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the panel interviews by practising your presentation skills. Since you'll be required to present, ensure you can clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of social work and child protection. Engaging with others can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable recommendations or referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your experience in chairing multi-agency meetings by preparing specific examples. Highlighting your ability to manage complex discussions will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair position. Familiarise yourself with the job description and personal specification to tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in social work, particularly any supervisory or management roles. Detail your experience in chairing multi-agency meetings and managing safeguarding processes, as these are crucial for this role.
Demonstrate Commitment to Children and Families:Showcase your dedication to working with children and families in your application. Provide examples of how you have ensured their voices are heard and needs met in previous roles, aligning with the council's vision for children and young people.
Prepare for Interviews:Since the interview process includes a panel interview and presentation, prepare thoroughly. Practice articulating your thoughts on complex case management and safeguarding processes, and be ready to discuss how you would approach chairing meetings effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair role. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and the specific needs of children and families in safeguarding.
✨Prepare for Multi-Agency Meeting Scenarios
Since the role involves chairing complex multi-agency meetings, be ready to discuss your experience in this area. Think of examples where you successfully facilitated discussions, resolved conflicts, or ensured that all voices were heard during meetings.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Good written and oral communication skills are crucial for this position. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to analyse and evaluate information effectively. You might be asked to present a case study or scenario, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
The council values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you have promoted these principles in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've worked to ensure that all children and families feel respected and empowered in the decision-making process.
