Independent Reviewing Officer - Macclesfield - Sanctuary Personal

Sanctuary Personnel Ltd; Macclesfield; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is seeking a Locum Independent Reviewing Officer for Children’s Social Services in Macclesfield. This role offers a competitive hourly rate of £42.20 with options for full-time or part-time hours. You will chair Looked After Children review meetings, ensuring robust care planning and safeguarding children's voices. Candidates must have a social work degree and significant post-qualification experience. Flexibility and a commitment to equality are essential.

Benefits

Flexible Hours

Competitive Pay

Varied Casework

Work-Life Balance

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in children's social care.
• In-depth knowledge of legislation and corporate parenting principles.

Responsibilities

• Chair statutory Looked After Children review meetings.
• Monitor and challenge care planning quality.
• Ensure child’s wishes are central to decisions.

Skills

Chairing skills

Facilitation skills

Negotiation skills

Excellent communication

Ability to influence

Education

Degree or Diploma in Social Work

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Locum Independent Reviewing Officer
Specialism: Children’s Social Worker
Location: Macclesfield, UK
Salary: £42.20 per hour
Contract: Ongoing (Full-Time or Part-Time)

We are seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer to join the Children’s Social Services team in Macclesfield. This locum role offers a competitive rate of £42.20 per hour and the flexibility of full-time or part-time hours, enabling you to balance your professional commitments with your personal life while making a lasting difference to children in care.

Perks and Benefits

• Flexible Hours: Full-time or part-time schedule to suit your lifestyle and commitments.
• Competitive Pay: £42.20 per hour in recognition of your skills and expertise.
• Varied Casework: Opportunity to work across a range of cases, enhancing your experience and professional knowledge.
• Work-Life Balance: Locum flexibility allows more time for family, hobbies, and other pursuits.

Purpose of the Role

To chair Looked After Children (LAC) review meetings, ensuring robust, timely, and child-centred care planning that improves outcomes. You will act as a key safeguard, monitoring the local authority’s corporate parenting responsibilities and ensuring children’s voices are central in all decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair statutory Looked After Children review meetings in line with legislative requirements and timescales.
• Support and prepare children and young people to participate meaningfully in their reviews.
• Maintain a focus on permanence and stability for each child.
• Monitor and challenge the quality of care planning to ensure it is outcome-focused.
• Escalate concerns where a child’s welfare is not adequately safeguarded or promoted.
• Provide professional challenge to social workers and managers where practice does not meet statutory or best practice standards.
• Ensure the child’s wishes, feelings, and views are central to decisions and promote advocacy where appropriate.
• Track and monitor progress on care plan actions between reviews.
• Work collaboratively with social care teams, education, health, and other partners to provide coordinated support.
• Attend relevant safeguarding and planning meetings as required.

Essential Qualifications & Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Social Work (or equivalent recognised qualification).
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualification experience in children’s social care, including complex safeguarding and looked-after children’s care planning.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, child development, and corporate parenting principles.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong chairing, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to challenge and influence at all organisational levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with children, young people, and professionals.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice.

Living and Working in Macclesfield

Set in the heart of Cheshire, Macclesfield offers a blend of historic charm, scenic countryside, and vibrant cultural life. With excellent transport links, a welcoming community, and access to both rural and urban amenities, Macclesfield is an ideal location to enjoy both professional growth and quality of life.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is a trusted, award-winning agency with an Excellent Trustpilot rating from over 1,000 reviews. We are dedicated to securing the best possible rates in roles that match your skills and experience.