Independent Reviewing Officer

Calderdale Council; Halifax; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Calderdale Council seeks an Independent Reviewing Officer to oversee Child Protection Conferences and statutory reviews for looked-after children. This permanent role requires a qualified Social Worker with strong experience in safeguarding, allowing for flexible working arrangements. The role plays a crucial part in improving practices within the community.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable post-qualifying experience in statutory social work with children and families.
• Experience of chairing meetings involving children and families.
• Thorough knowledge of the legal framework relating to child protection.

Responsibilities

• Chair Child Protection Conferences and statutory reviews of Children who are Looked After.
• Contribute to effective safeguarding and promotion of vulnerable children.
• Carry a combined caseload (CP/CLA) as part of a busy team.

Skills

Post-qualifying experience in statutory social work

Chairing meetings

Knowledge of child protection laws

Education

Relevant Social Work qualification

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable, the skills, qualifications, and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Application closing date: 20/07/2025

Location: Halifax

Salary: PO10 - 13, £45,718 - £48,710 per annum, pro rata (Actual Salary £27,430 - £29,226 per annum)

Package: 22.2 hours per week, Permanent

Job category/type: Council

Attachments: Employee Benefits Leaflet.pdf, RP - Independent Reviewing Officer.pdf, Applicant Booklet - CMBC.pdf

Please note: Internal at-risk or redeployee applicants will be seen in the first instance.

The Safeguarding and QA Service are looking to appoint an Independent Reviewing Officer on a permanent basis to undertake the chairing of Child Protection Conferences and statutory reviews of Children who are Looked After in Calderdale.

This post offers an opportunity to participate in quality assurance work, which has contributed to improvements in practice across the Borough.

You will need demonstrable post-qualifying experience in statutory social work with children and families, and experience of chairing meetings involving children and families. You should have a thorough working knowledge of the legal framework relating to child protection and looked after children, including Care Planning Regulations and the duties and responsibilities of the IRO as set out in the IRO Handbook (DfE 2010).

You are required to hold a relevant Social Work qualification and SW England registration.

The post holder will carry a combined caseload (CP/CLA) and be part of a busy but supportive team. You will contribute to ensuring effective safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of vulnerable children and young people in Calderdale.

While the office base is in Halifax, there is flexibility to work from home and other offices within the local authority.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Applicants for posts exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS check before appointment.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Simon Buttler at 07734459562 or Kathryn Dempsey at 07738785315.

Closing date: Sunday 20th July 2025

Interview Date: w/c 28th July 2025

As part of our vision (https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/), we aim to be a talented, resilient, and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer flexible working/job share opportunities for both full and part-time staff.

Calderdale Council embraces the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from underrepresented communities. All applications are anonymized before being reviewed by the selection panel.

For support with your application, please read our Application Booklet or visit our Employment Hub.