Children's Independent Reviewing Officer-Conference Chair

Job Title: Children’s Independent Reviewing Officer / Conference Chair Location: Barnsley Contract Type: Temporary (Full-Time) Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm Working Pattern: Minimum 3 days onsite Driving Requirement: Essential About the Role We are seeking an experienced Children’s Independent Reviewing Officer / Conference Chair to join our team in Sheffield on a temporary full-time basis. While advertised as an IRO role, this position requires strong experience in quality assurance and regulatory compliance, particularly Regulation 44 visits, within children’s residential and supported accommodation settings. This is a critical role focused on ensuring high-quality, safe, and compliant placements for children and young people through robust monitoring, provider engagement, and continuous service improvement. Key Responsibilities * Conduct Regulation 44 visits and complete detailed Quality Assurance (QA) assessments of residential homes * Monitor provider performance and ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations and safeguarding standards * Respond confidently and effectively to serious concerns and safeguarding issues * Work collaboratively with LADO and attend Strategy Meetings where required * Make informed decisions regarding QA outcomes, compliance actions, and next steps * Liaise with providers to obtain QA documentation and address compliance queries * Coordinate with internal teams (commissioning, placements, QA, finance) to ensure clear communication on provider quality * Provide professional advice and guidance to colleagues on regulatory expectations and QA processes Essential Requirements * Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification * Post-qualification experience in children’s services * Significant experience as an IRO / Conference Chair, with additional QA and compliance expertise * Proven experience conducting Regulation 44 visits * Strong understanding of Ofsted standards, safeguarding frameworks, and regulatory requirements * Experience working alongside LADO and participating in Strategy Meetings * Ability to assess risk, interpret QA data, and make sound professional decisions * Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines * Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills * Enhanced DBS (Children) registered on the Update Service * Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle Desirable Skills * Strong analytical ability to interpret performance data, trends, and QA indicators * Experience working across Children’s Placements or Commissioning services