Independent Chairperson

Independent Chairperson – Safeguarding & Children in Care | Staffordshire County Council

Position: Independent Chairperson
Team: Safeguarding & Children in Care (IRO & CP Chair)
Contract: Locum – reviewed every 3 months (long-term sickness cover)
Hours: Full-time
Pay Rate: £38 per hour
Location: 1x Newcastle-under-Lyme (North District) | 1x Burton-upon-Trent (East District)
Start Date: ASAP
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, full-time hours

Contact: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com
 

Sheldon Phillips are working with Staffordshire County Council to recruit two experienced Independent Chairs to join their Safeguarding and Children in Care services. This is a vital role ensuring the voices of children are central to the planning and delivery of their care and protection.
 

What You Can Expect:

• Two full-time locum vacancies covering long-term sickness

• Based in either North or East Staffordshire – some travel required

• Dual role across Child Protection and Looked After Children

• Part of a supportive and established IRO and CP team

• Contract reviewed every 3 months with potential for extension
   

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Chairing Child Protection Conferences and Statutory Child in Care Reviews

• Engaging directly with children to gather their views ahead of meetings

• Ensuring child-centred, SMART care and protection plans

• Challenging and escalating concerns where plans are not progressing

• Monitoring EHCPs, PEPs and Health Assessments

• Promoting quality assurance and inter-agency standards

• Contributing to service improvement and safeguarding excellence
   

Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker with current SWE registration

• At least 1 year of experience as an IRO and CP Chair

• Strong understanding of statutory guidance and safeguarding protocols

• Skilled in restorative practice and confident in escalating concerns

• Excellent analytical, communication, and decision-making skills

• Ability to travel across the district and meet statutory visiting expectations
   

These are high-profile, influential roles with limited interview slots available. If you're ready to take on a rewarding challenge and help drive forward safeguarding and care standards in Staffordshire, apply today.

Contact Details: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com