Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Chair

Locum Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) & Child Protection Chair
Location: Weybridge Office, Surrey County Council
Rate: From £45 per hour
Contract: Full-time Locum (Initial 3–6 months, with likely extension)
Contact: Fred Thomas at Sheldon Phillips 01635 226350 | fthomas@sheldon-phillips.com

The Opportunity
Sheldon Phillips is proud to be working with Surrey County Council to recruit a highly experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and Child Protection Chair to join their Safeguarding and Quality Assurance team, based at the Weybridge Office.

This dual-role position is critical in overseeing care planning for children in care and those subject to child protection plans. You will play a key part in promoting best practice, challenging delay, and ensuring that children’s voices are central to all planning and decision-making.

You’ll be joining a local authority that is committed to innovative, relationship-based practice through the use of Surrey’s Family Safeguarding Model, a nationally recognised approach to multi-agency working.

Key Duties

  • Chair Looked After Children Reviews and Child Protection Conferences in line with statutory requirements.

  • Ensure plans are child-centred, outcome-focused and progressed in a timely manner.

  • Monitor the quality of practice and escalate concerns where necessary.

  • Champion Surrey’s strengths-based Family Safeguarding Model.

  • Engage effectively with children, families, and multi-agency professionals.

About You

  • Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.

  • Strong background in children’s social care, including frontline child protection and looked after services.

  • Excellent understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and care planning processes.

  • Confident chairing complex meetings and holding professionals to account.

  • Available to start within the next 4 weeks.

Why Work in Surrey – and with Sheldon Phillips?

Surrey’s Family Safeguarding Model creates real change for families through integrated, trauma-informed practice. As a locum with Sheldon Phillips, you’ll benefit from a fast and efficient registration process, a dedicated consultant, and roles that match your expertise and career goals.

Apply Now
To apply or find out more, contact Fred Thomas at Sheldon Phillips:  01635 226350 |  fthomas@sheldon-phillips.com