About the Independent Person for Complaints (IPC) role
Independent Persons for Complaints work in a variety of roles, to provide an independent element to the formal Stage 2 investigation and Stage 3 review of complaints under the Children Act 1989. They give the complainant (who may be a child, young person or adult) the opportunity to express their view, ensure the child or young person’s rights and best interests are at the centre of the investigation and that the investigation/review process is open and transparent.
During this recruitment round, we are seeking experienced Investigating Officers (IOs) for Stage 2 investigations. Associates are independent, freelance and responsible for their own work. They are accountable to the organisation for their professional standards and are expected to comply with the Coram Voice Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines; they also receive professional supervision.
Purpose of the role
To work alongside colleagues to provide an independent/objective element in the consideration of the investigation of complaints during the formal stage 2 of the Representation and Complaints procedure, as stated by the Children Act 1989.
Main duties
- To empower the complainant by listening to them and affording the opportunity to express their views.
- To ensure the child/young person’s rights and best interests/welfare are at the centre of the investigation.
- To ensure the process of the investigation is open and transparent to the complainant(s).
- To analyse quantities of information gathered from reading files, interviews carried out and other relevant documents for the purposes of writing the report.
- To reach a judgement/conclusion based on the evidence available on a sense of what is fair and reasonable between the interest of the child or young person or their representatives and the interest of the local authority.
- To provide an objective and clearly written report which comments on the conduct of the stage 2 investigation, make findings on the complaint and recommendations as appropriate. The report to be written according to the format specified by Coram Voice and within prescribed time limits.
- Arising from the investigation, to raise issues of concern with the local authority in the interests of good practice for children and young people and their families and to make recommendations as appropriate.
EEO and safeguarding
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBTQ+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro‑diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and, where appropriate, will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
Variable, according to demand for services/caseload and role in investigation.
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