Independent Chair - Children's Services

Independent Chair

Social Care

Children's Services

Social Care Qualified - Children

East Lindsey

£45,718 - £50,788

01/12/2024

We currently have a vacancy for an experienced permanent Independent Chair to join the Quality and Standards Service. This is a permanent position. Although the role of Independent Chair is a combined job description including CP Chair, LADO/Reg 44 Officer and IRO, this position will be focusing on the role of Independent Reviewing Officer and will predominantly be in east of the county with a work base being Louth or Horncastle.

This is the right time to come and work in Lincolnshire….. In April 2023 Lincolnshire was again rated as Outstanding by OFSTED. Following the outcome of our inspection it has been announced that Lincolnshire has been chosen by the Department of Education as one of the three National Families First for Children Pathfinders. This brings an exciting opportunity for Lincolnshire and it is a really great time to join us…. Be the Change!

About the Role

This combined role serves a vital function for the most vulnerable children in Lincolnshire. The role involves facilitating multi-agency engagement in the review and quality assurance of multi-agency plans for the care and protection of children.

Within this role the successful applicant would be expected to specialise in a combination of these functions but never to undertake all roles at the same time.

The Independent Chair must maintain a clear focus on the best interests of children, whilst working under pressure. The Independent Chair should be skilled at enabling professionals to share their assessments of risk to children and their recommendations for both child protection and child in care plans constructively using a strengths-based approach. The role requires a substantial understanding of the legislative framework that supports child and family social work and is best fulfilled by a brave and confident advocate that can champion the needs and rights of children and young people.

It is essential that independent chairs have a proven track record in working creatively to engage children and young people in decision making and can promote young people's voices within both care planning and child protection planning processes.

Our offer

We are offering a competitive salary of £45,718 – 50,788 (FTE) along with an extensive benefits package; details of which can be found in rewards and benefits brochure and many areas for professional support and development.

For an informal discussion please contact Richard Stone on (+44) 07721 039090, or Kim Murray on (+44) 07900 607798.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council 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.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.