Child Protection Chair & IRO

Child Protection Chair / Independent Reviewing Officer (Social Care & Health Qualified)

Location:

Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Time Square, RG12 1JD

Job Type: Temporary (Locum)

Start Date:

Mon 29 June 2026

SW Locums are proud to be supporting Bracknell Forest Borough Council in the urgent recruitment of an experienced Child Protection Chair / Independent Reviewing Officer. This is a highly influential safeguarding role, offering the opportunity to shape practice, improve outcomes, and ensure the voice of the child is consistently central to all decision-making.

This is a role for a confident, skilled practitioner who can lead with authority, independence, and compassion—ensuring robust safeguarding oversight while driving continuous improvement across children’s services.

Working within a progressive and supportive local authority, you will play a key role in strengthening practice standards, improving care planning quality, and ensuring statutory responsibilities are met to the highest level.

Key Responsibilities:

* Chair Child Protection Conferences, ensuring robust safeguarding oversight and adherence to statutory procedures

* Keep the voice, wishes, and lived experience of the child central to all discussions and planning

* Provide independent scrutiny of care planning arrangements in line with IRO statutory guidance

* Monitor progress of child protection and care plans, escalating drift or delay where identified

* Undertake quality assurance activity to support service improvement and learning across the workforce

* Contribute to multi-agency safeguarding effectiveness and best practice development

* Ensure high-quality, outcome-focused planning for children and young people

* Promote reflective practice and drive continuous improvement within Children’s Services

About You:

* Qualified Social Worker with substantial experience in Children’s Services

* Strong background in Child Protection, Safeguarding, and statutory reviewing roles

* Experience chairing conferences or working as an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

* Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding frameworks

* Confident communicator with the ability to challenge constructively at all levels

* Social Work England registration is essential

About SW Locums:
SW Locums is a trusted and established social work recruitment partner, known for working closely with highly skilled practitioners and respected local authorities across the UK. We pride ourselves on offering a professional, transparent, and supportive service to our candidates, ensuring the right match between social workers and teams where they can truly make an impact. Our consultants understand social work practice and are committed to providing ongoing support throughout every assignment.

Referral Scheme:
SW Locums offers a £500 referral bonus for every successful social work referral (Terms and Conditions apply).

This is an excellent opportunity to step into a senior safeguarding role where your expertise will directly influence the safety, wellbeing, and future outcomes of children and young people