Independent Reviewing Officer​/Conference Chair

Overview

Position reference:
Directorate:
Children’s Services | Service:
Children & Family Social Care
Salary: £51,356 - £54,495 plus laptop
Working Arrangements:
Agile working - minimum 3 days in the office
Hours per week: 37
Contract type:
Permanent

We are happy to talk flexible working arrangements with you; please get in touch. See our range of employee rewards and benefits. Closing date: 06/02/2026 at 23:59.

We are currently looking to recruit a full-time Child Protection Conference Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join Barnsley Children’s Services and play a key role in driving, planning and promoting positive outcomes for children subject to child protection plans. You will chair child protection conferences, oversee and quality assure planning and decision-making processes, and promote the child’s voice to support safe, aspirational and creative plans.

• Chair child protection conferences and oversee the planning and decision-making processes for each child.
• Ensure robust plans are in place and promote the child’s voice in the process.
• Meet with families ahead of conferences to support understanding of the process.
• Attend child discussion meetings and provide thorough analysis when legal advice is considered.
• Ensure midway reviews are conducted between conferences to track progress of the child’s plan.
• Conduct all conferences face to face in Barnsley to support effective meetings.

• Substantial experience in statutory social work with children and families.
• Experience chairing complex meetings and working within a multi-agency framework.
• Strong knowledge of the legal framework relating to child protection, including the Children Act and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

• We offer regular supervision, appraisal, training and development opportunities to promote positive outcomes for young people.
• We value honesty, teamwork, excellent service, and pride in work, with a development process to support growth and flexible learning.
• For further information, contact Lexi Preston, Service Manager ().
• Interviews will be held on 17 February 2026.

CVs are not accepted for this role. When applying, ensure you are prepared with necessary legal documents (e.g., valid visa). The organisation does not possess a Home Office sponsorship license and cannot sponsor visas for skilled or temporary migrant workers. Pensions regulations may affect entitlements if you return to work within local government service; seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority.

Barnsley Council is inclusive and values diversity; we welcome applicants with past convictions.