IRO/CP Chair

Independent Review and Conference Officer (Child Protection Conference Chair)
East Midlands
Part time 22.5 hours per week Inititial 3 month contract
Start date: ASAP
£38–£40 per hour
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working

CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place week commencing 07 April 2026.   If you’re driven by quality, independence and making sure children’s voices are heard at the highest level, this is an opportunity that deserves your attention. This short‑term assignment places you right at the heart of child protection decision‑making, providing challenge, assurance and leadership at a critical point in the system.

As the Independent Review and Conference Officer (Child Protection Conference Chair), you will operate with autonomy and authority, ensuring robust planning and accountability while influencing practice at a senior level.   This role offers urgency, purpose and flexibility. With a mix of virtual and face‑to‑face work, you can make an immediate impact without long‑term commitment, while working closely with senior leaders to drive improvement where it matters most.

Your Role as Independent Review and Conference Officer (Child Protection Conference Chair):

• Chairing Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences, ensuring high‑quality, child‑focused plans
• Providing independent oversight and rigorous quality assurance of child protection practice
• Championing the child’s voice, making sure their interests remain central to all decision‑making
• Monitoring performance, identifying poor practice and escalating concerns with confidence
• Working directly with senior managers to recommend and support remedial action

You will be trusted to challenge constructively, influence practice and maintain professional independence, while building credibility with partners and stakeholders across the system.   Your previous experience as Independent Review and Conference Officer (Child Protection Conference Chair):

• Strong experience of chairing child protection conferences with authority and confidence
• In‑depth knowledge of child protection legislation, guidance and thresholds
• Proven ability to deliver independent challenge and maintain professional objectivity
• Experience of performance monitoring, audit and quality assurance
• Social Work qualification with current or recent statutory practice exposure
• A minimum of 3 years Post Qualifying Experience clearly indicated on your CV

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who would be a strong fit for the Independent Review and Conference Officer (Child Protection Conference Chair) position, please contact Sarah Macrae or apply today.   We are committed to creating a diverse workforce. Recruitment decisions are based solely on experience and skills, and reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the application and hiring process.

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