Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)/Child Protection Chair

• Independent_Reviewing_Officer_QAST_Nov_2023

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Independent Review Officer (IRO) / Child Protection Chair

We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a new Independent Review Officer/Child Protection Chair in Children’s Services in Wokingham Borough Council. We are looking for someone who will use this important role to make a positive impact for children and young people.

The IRO post is fundamental in ensuring that meetings for Children in Care and those who are on Child Protection Plans have independent oversight and ensure that there is no drift or delay in safeguarding and care planning. We are looking for someone who is skilled at working directly with children and young people and parents.

If you would like to become part of a team who work collaboratively with children and young people to help shape our service and influence practice, this team is for you.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a proven track record in safeguarding children and young people in care. Ideally with experience of being a Child Protection Chair or Independent Reviewing Officer. You will have high aspirations for exemplary Corporate Parenting with the ability to challenge policy, procedure and practice in areas that require development. You will have excellent communication skills with the ability to gain trust and encourage engagement with families and young people. In addition to this, you will have excellent internal and external networking skills which will be required when working with multi agency partners and promoting their participation in meetings.

Please see the attached Job Description for the full parameters of the role.

What Wokingham can offer you:

• Manageable caseloads and supportive management
• Excellent Learning & Development and Career Progression programme
• Generous Annual Leave allowance
• Flexible work
• Enhanced Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A number of discount and benefit schemes

This vacancy closes on: Sunday 7th December 2025 at 11pm

Interviews will take place on: Tuesday 16th December, in the afternoon at our offices in Wokingham.

If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact sara.james@wokingham.gov.uk (Service Manager, Quality Assurance and Safeguarding) or alix.williams@wokingham.gov.uk (Recruitment & Retention Specialist for Children’s Social Care) for an informal conversation.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.