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An experienced and dedicated Children’s Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) is required to support improved outcomes for children and young people in care. This is an important role involving independent oversight of care planning, ensuring that children’s needs, wishes and feelings remain central to all decisions about their lives.

You will chair statutory looked-after children reviews, ensuring they are well planned, purposeful and held within required timescales. You will promote effective participation by children and young people, helping them understand the review process and ensuring their views are listened to and appropriately reflected in care plans. You will also work with parents, carers, social workers, education professionals, health services and other agencies to ensure plans are comprehensive, clear and focused on achieving positive outcomes.

The role includes monitoring the progress of agreed actions, identifying delays or gaps in service provision, and challenging drift or decisions where these may not promote the child’s welfare. You will escalate concerns appropriately, contribute to dispute resolution and ensure that children’s permanence plans are progressed effectively. Accurate recording, preparation of reports and maintaining up-to-date case documentation will also be essential.

Applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. You will have substantial post-qualification experience in children’s social care, including sound knowledge of safeguarding, care proceedings, permanence planning and the statutory framework for children looked after. Previous experience as an IRO, or in a role involving independent scrutiny, review and professional challenge, is highly desirable.

You will need excellent communication, organisation and analytical skills, together with the confidence to challenge constructively and make well-reasoned decisions. The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and build effective relationships with children, families and professionals is essential. A commitment to equality, participation and achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people is also required.