Up until August 2023 our Child Protection Chairs and Independent Reviewing Officers had been undertaking a dual role, chairing child protection conferences and looked after children reviews. We took the decision to trial a separation of these roles in August 2023 to allow more of a focus on each specialist role, which has been working extremely well so far and has supported us to strengthen practice.

We are currently looking to recruit a full-time independent reviewing officer. The job description and role applied for, remains that of a dual role as this remains a trial currently.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Barnsley Children’s Services and have a key role in driving, planning and promoting positive outcomes for our looked after children and young people. We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed and experienced independent reviewing officer who is passionate about the wellbeing and outcomes for looked after children.

You will be responsible for chairing looked after children reviews. Your primary focus will be to oversee and quality assure the planning and review process for each young person. This involves understanding and promoting the young person’s voice and driving plans that are aspirational for young people and support them to achieve stability and permanence at the earliest opportunity.

You will conduct face to face visits to all your young people at least once between every looked after review meeting and will ensure IRO midway reviews are conducted between each looked after review meeting to ensure the young person’s plan is progressing. All looked after reviews are now face to face in Barnsley as we recognise this is best practice and ensures a more effective meeting is conducted.

You will need substantial experience in statutory social work with looked after children and families, of chairing complex meetings and of working within a multi agency framework. You will 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 Independent Reviewing Officer as set out in the IRO Handbook.

You will join a friendly, supportive and committed team and play a full part in its operation and ongoing development. You will receive regular supervision, appraisal, training and development opportunities, all aimed at promoting positive outcomes for young people and supporting your career development and progression. 

We live and work by four important values: honesty, teamwork, excellent service, and taking pride in what we do. As part of our team, you can be assured we will support you in striving for excellence in your work. We prioritise learning and enabling you to achieve your potential. So we’ve created a development process that lets you grow in the way that suits you - whether that’s training to be a leader, or learning flexibly online.

For further information please contact Ella Barton, Interim Service Manager, Independent Reviewing Officers  ellabarton@barnsley.gov.uk  

Interview date: 18.03.2024