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An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Children’s Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to support children and young people who are looked after or subject to care planning arrangements. The successful candidate will promote the rights, wishes and welfare of children, ensuring that their care plans are purposeful, timely and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes. You will independently chair statutory reviews, ensure children are involved in decisions about their lives, and challenge practice where plans are not progressing or do not reflect the child’s needs.

Key responsibilities will include reviewing and monitoring care plans, permanency plans and placement stability; identifying drift and delay; and making sure that actions agreed at review meetings are completed. You will work closely with social workers, managers, carers, families, education and health professionals, independent advocates and other partner agencies. The role will involve analysing reports and case information, facilitating effective review meetings, recording clear and outcome-focused decisions, escalating concerns appropriately and contributing to the continuous improvement of services for looked-after children and care leavers. You will also support effective participation, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and their views are accurately represented.

You must hold a recognised social work qualification and current professional registration, with substantial post-qualification experience in children’s social care. Experience of working with looked-after children, chairing child in care reviews and applying relevant legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding procedures is essential. You will need strong knowledge of permanence planning, care proceedings, corporate parenting responsibilities and the Independent Reviewing Officer role. Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical and report-writing skills are required, together with the confidence to provide constructive challenge and make sound, evidence-based decisions. The ability to manage a complex caseload, work independently and collaborate effectively across professional networks is essential. A commitment to equality, participation, safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people is expected.