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