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Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us click here.
Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Chair
Are you ready to be at the forefront of child protection? We're looking for an exceptional leader to step into the crucial role of Child Protection Conference Chair. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to directly safeguard and improve the lives of vulnerable children in line with "Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)" and the Berkshire Child Protection Procedures.
You'll be the driving force behind complex multi-agency child protection meetings, leading discussions that truly make a difference. Your sharp eye will monitor the quality of social work practice, meticulously scrutinizing child protection plans and fearlessly challenging actions that aren't delivering the best possible outcomes for our children and young people. If you're passionate about ensuring every child's safety and well-being, and ready to take on this vital responsibility, we want to hear from you!
About the role
- Ensure that reviews/conferences are chaired in line with Departmental and LSCP policy and procedures as well as Governmental guidance (e.g. Working Together).
- In Child protection conferences, to make decisions about the risk of significant harm and where required ensure that an effective multi-disciplinary Child Protection Plan is agreed upon.
- Ensure attention is paid to children’s participation and rights, eliciting their wishes and feelings in planning for them or reviewing their care arrangements. In particular to ensure that a child is seen independently when old enough and is aware of his/her right to complain and the possibility of advocacy.
- Undertake any further duties consistent with the post, grade and objectives and work of the Quality Assurance & Safeguarding Service as directed by the Quality Assurance Manager.
This job description is not exhaustive. The postholder will be expected to adopt an adaptable attitude to the duties which may have to be varied subject to the needs of the service and in keeping with the general profile of the post. For further information please feel to contact Tariq Kashmiri at tariq.kashmiri@achievingforchildren.org.uk
About you
- You must have significant Team Lead/Manager or IRO experience and be ready to step straight into the role.
- A diploma in Social Work or equivalent Social Work qualification and be Social Work England Registered
- Have a substantial post qualification experience of working as a child care social worker in a statutory agency.
- Experience as a Child Protection Conference Chair/Independent Reviewing Officer in a statutory setting.
- Experience of team management, performance management, training and supervision.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children click here. For our social work offer click here. For our Recruitment Journey, click here.
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
For more information about AfC: Drop in and meet Regina on the first Wednesday of every month at Civic Centre, Twickenham.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
