Independent Reviewing Officer CP Conference Chair - Redeployment 20464

Suffolk County Council

Address: Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU, Ipswich IP1 5PB or Lowestoft NR33 0EQ - Hybrid

Salary: £51,483 - £58,850 per annum depending on experience (pro rata for part time)

Hours: Various - flexible working options available

Contract: Permanent

We’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us in the role of an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Child Protection Conference Chair and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.   

These roles are part of a county service with locations in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft.

Positions Available:

37 hours - Office base Riverside, Lowestoft NR33 0EQ

37 hours - Office base West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU

29.6 hours - Office base Landmark House, Ipswich IP1 5PB

Reimagine The Possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities 

As an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Child Protection Conference Chair within Suffolk County Council's Safeguarding and Reviewing Officer Service you will:

• Be responsible for the effective delivery of safeguarding services for children in care and those subject to child protection plans throughout the County.
• Work with and embed the Suffolk Signs of Safety and Wellbeing practice framework, which positively impacts practice development, family engagement, staff morale, and motivation.
• Chair Children in Care reviews and act as a Child Protection Conference Chair in initial and review child protection meetings.
• Conduct meticulous reviews of children’s care plans, ensuring key actions and responsibilities are undertaken, and that the child’s safety and wellbeing are prioritised—whether in care placements or family settings.
• Be part of the collaborative audit programme for Children and Young People’s Services.
• Be a Regulation 44 visitor to Suffolk County Council children’s homes, including monthly reporting on safeguarding effectiveness and home conduct.
• Provide strategic leadership and work closely with operational management.
• Include the views of children and families in their planning.
• Apply considerable experience in children in care and child protection.
• Use current research and legislation to inform practice.
• Provide reports and analysis to directorate management on safeguarding issues.
• Demonstrate effective multi-agency working.
• Scrutinise care and child protection plans.
• Achieve compliance against standards and operational requirements.
• Attend and chair meetings at various locations across Suffolk and beyond as necessary.

You Will Need To:

• have a Social Work England registration
• have a recognised social work qualification and experience at a management level

Our council is led by an enthusiastic and capable team of leaders and managers, who are committed to working together, striving to improve and provide the best possible services. If you can join us with the same commitment, then we welcome you to Suffolk, which is a great place to work because of this. 

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The Team

The IRO’s are divided into 3 geographical teams, this opportunity will predominantly cover responsibilities in either the North, South or West of the County.

The IRO/CP Chairs within Suffolk are all experienced and competent managers who bring a strong sense of mission to the important role of ensuring, with operational colleagues, the best possible outcomes for the children with whom they work. 

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report. 

For More Information

• Please contact one of the following for a casual conversation:
• Teresa Doney (North) Teresa.Doney@suffolk.gov.uk 01284 758406 (direct line) 07354163354 (mobile)
• Caren Russell (West) Caren.Russel@suffolk.gov.uk 01473 263605 (direct line) 07714 922839 (mobile)
• Michelle Stopher (South) Michelle.Stopher@suffolk.gov.uk  01473 263128 (direct line)

How To Apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (word). 

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application. 

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.  

1. Describe a time when you ensured the effective delivery of safeguarding services for children in care or those subject to child protection plans. What steps did you take to ensure their safety and wellbeing?
2. Describe your experience in completing quality assurance processes or audits within children’s services. How did you use this process to improve service delivery within your role?
3. Give an example of a complex meeting you have chaired. How did you ensure the child/ren’s voices were heard and the meeting achieved its objectives?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). 

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. 

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process. 

Closing date: 11.30pm, 17 September 2025

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In Return, You’Ll Enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).