Independent Chair - Children's Services

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 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.

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.

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!

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.