Independent Reviewing Officer

The Child Protection Conferencing Chair will be responsible for independently chairing and facilitating Child Protection Conferences to ensure that children and young people who may be at risk of significant harm are appropriately safeguarded. Working within the Quality Assurance - Child Protection Conferencing Service, the post holder will provide independent, authoritative and professional oversight of the child protection conference process, ensuring that decisions are based on comprehensive information, professional analysis and the best interests of the child. The post holder will promote effective multi-agency working and ensure that parents, carers, children and young people, where appropriate, are given a meaningful opportunity to participate in the conference process. The role requires a strong understanding of child protection legislation, statutory guidance, safeguarding practice and the responsibilities of partner agencies. This role is specifically for Child Protection Conferencing and is not an Independent Reviewing Officer role for Children in Care. Key Responsibilities A. Chairing Child Protection Conferences

• Independently chair Initial, Review and other relevant Child Protection Conferences.
• Ensure conferences are conducted in a professional, fair, respectful and child-focused manner.
• Establish clear objectives and an appropriate agenda for each conference.
• Ensure all relevant agencies contribute information and professional analysis.
• Ensure the child's voice, wishes and feelings are appropriately represented.
• Facilitate constructive discussion between professionals, parents, carers and other relevant participants.
• Manage disagreements and conflicting professional views appropriately.
• Ensure that conference decisions are based on the available evidence and an assessment of the level and nature of risk to the child.
• Ensure that decisions are clearly recorded and communicated to all relevant parties.
• Ensure that Child Protection Plans are appropriately developed, outcome-focused and measurable.
B. Safeguarding and Risk Analysis
• Apply professional knowledge and judgement when considering concerns relating to children who may be suffering or at risk of significant harm.
• Analyse information presented by social care, education, health, police and other partner agencies.
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies or areas requiring further assessment or investigation.
• Challenge professional assumptions where necessary.
• Ensure that risk factors, protective factors and the impact of circumstances on the child are properly considered.
• Ensure that the child's welfare remains central to conference discussions and decisions.