Child Protection / Independent Review Service Coordinator

This permanent role has a starting salary of £61, 954 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.

We also offer a financial package of up to £6,000 to new permanent, Independent Chairs and Service Coordinators (These are subject to tax and national insurance deductions and paid pro rata if you are part time).

We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week) and support working from home the rest of the time. The office base for this role is in Reigate.

We have a great opportunity to join our South East Independent Reviewing Service as the Service Coordinator who line manages the Independent Chairs who undertake dual role of both Child Protection Chair and Independent Reviewing Officer responsibilities.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About the Team

The Independent Reviewing Service currently sits within the Quality, Practice, Relationships, and Support (QPRS) Division of Children Services. Consistency of practice is managed within a team of four Service Coordinators each based at a main office location across Surrey, with an overall service of 30 IROs and CPCs ensuring that all aspects of Child Protection/IRO statutory guidance is well implemented across the department and amongst partner agencies.

Due to Family First Partnership Programme and the likely changes this will bring, this dual role is likely to split, and if so, you will likely line manage specialist roles of either Child Protection Chairs (CPCs) or Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs)

About the Role

In the role of Service Coordinator for the Independent Reviewing Service, you will offer the management oversight and supervision for a team of approximately eight CPC/IROs who currently have a mixed workload of Child Protection and Looked After Children.

As Service Coordinator you will have oversight for ensuring that each child has a comprehensive care plan that meets their needs in line with an agreed timescale and within relevant statutory and departmental policies.

The role will also carry various quality assurance functions in relation to departmental and inter-agency casework practice with the aim of ensuring consistency of practice.

The Council is invested in training staff in the 'family safeguarding model', motivational interviewing, ’Safe and Together’ as well as investing in support to develop systems thinking in practice in Surrey. Your development will be supported by regular supervision, performance conversations as well as a range of coaching, e-learning and other reflection and learning opportunities.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following experience and skills and align with our behaviours:

• Experience of strategic management with an in-depth knowledge of national legislation and policy agenda for children services
• An ability to provide operational guidance and decision making with in depth knowledge and experience of child protection and Looked After processes
• Be Social Work England registered
• Hold a Social Work degree

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

1. How do you lead and support a workforce delivering statutory services to children and families affected by trauma?
2. Describe how you ensure consistent, high‑quality and legally compliant practice across Child Protection and Looked After Children processes.
3. Give an example of how you have provided effective professional challenge in complex or contested situations while maintaining strong multi‑agency relationships and a child‑focused approach.
4. How do you lead teams through change while maintaining performance, learning, and engagement?

You will be asked to do a presentation also for the interview, with the topic to be sent to you if shortlisted.

Surrey’s Children's Service keeps on improving and with children at the heart of everything we do, we share a passion, desire and commitment to become a high performing local authority and ultimately be recognised by Ofsted as Good and then Outstanding. We understand that the key to our success is our motivated and supported workforce who share our values and commitment to improving the lives of children in Surrey.

Contact us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact Linde Webber by e-mail at Linde.Webber@surreycc.gov.uk

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 17/05/2026 with interviews provisionally planned for Friday 22/05/2026 in person at Woodhatch, Reigate.

An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role.

You will also need to have the willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of this role.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.