Are you an experienced and dedicated professional looking for a rewarding role within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority? West Berkshire Council is seeking an Independent Reviewing Officer/CP Coordinator to join our Children and Family Services team, reporting to the Service Manager Quality Assurance & Safeguarding. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the safeguarding and well-being of children and young people in our community. The Role As an Independent Reviewing Officer/CP Coordinator, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of care and protection for children and young people. Your key responsibilities will include: To ensure that the review process is effectively coordinated and that reviews are conducted in a timely manner. To ensure that all relevant information is gathered and considered during the review process. To facilitate the participation of children and young people in their reviews. To ensure that appropriate individuals are invited to attend reviews, such as carers, social workers, and other relevant professionals. To identify and record the views, wishes, and feelings of children and young people. To make recommendations for action to be taken as a result of the review. To monitor the progress of actions agreed at previous reviews. To ensure that reviews are conducted in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements. To provide feedback to the local authority and other relevant agencies regarding the outcomes of reviews. To contribute to the overall improvement of services for looked after children through participation in service development and improvement initiatives. As a CP Coordinator, you will also be responsible for: Coordinating the Child Protection Conference process. Ensuring that child protection conferences are held in a timely manner. Ensuring that all relevant information is available to conference participants. Facilitating the participation of children and young people and their families in conferences. Keeping accurate records of conferences. Monitoring and ensuring progress against actions agreed at conferences. Providing feedback to the local authority and other agencies regarding the outcomes of conferences. You will also be required to work closely with social workers, carers, and other professionals to ensure that the needs and aspirations of children and young people are met. Your role will involve monitoring progress, providing guidance, and advocating for the rights of individuals in care. This role includes providing cover for the LADO where required. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes: Extensive experience working within children’s services, with a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection issues. Qualified Social Worker with appropriate registration. Experience in an IRO or CP Coordinator role, with a sound knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory requirements. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and professionals. Strong advocacy and negotiation skills, with the ability to challenge appropriately. Effective organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a diverse caseload. A commitment to continuous professional development and staying up-to-date with current legislation and best practice. West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as: Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-19.00 Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities Generous Local Government pension scheme Family friendly policies A range of local discounts Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 30 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service. Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Nicola Robertson on 07500 097122 or email nicola.robertsonwestberks.gov.uk. Join West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people in our community. Apply now to be part of a dedicated and passionate team. Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us Equal Opportunities The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. How to apply Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV. This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies. West Berkshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share these values. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Successful candidates will be offered employment subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks. This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications