Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to champion the rights and well-being of our Looked After Children (LAC) and young people. This is a critical role focused on ensuring that care planning is robust, child-centred, and progressing effectively toward achieving permanence.
As an IRO, you won't hold a caseload, but you will hold the process to account. You'll chair statutory reviews for children in care, ensuring that their voice is heard, their care plan is fit for purpose, and that all involved professionals are working collaboratively to meet their needs.
Key Responsibilities
Chair Statutory Reviews: Lead and record high-quality, legally compliant, and child-focused Looked After Child Reviews (LAC Reviews).
Champion the Child: Ensure the child or young person's views, wishes, and feelings are central to the planning process and actively promoted.
Quality Assurance: Scrutinise the local authority's care planning, identifying areas of delay, challenge inadequate practice, and escalate issues where necessary to achieve the best outcomes for the child.
Case Oversight: Maintain continuous oversight of a cohort of LAC cases, providing clear direction and setting measurable outcomes for the care plan.
Legal Expertise: Ensure all statutory requirements and legal frameworks are met, including the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and the IRO Handbook (2010).
Essential Requirements:
Social Work Qualification: A recognised professional Social Work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW).
Registration: Current, valid registration with Social Work England.
Experience: Substantial post-qualifying experience (typically 5+ years) in children's social care, with significant experience in Looked After Children services.
Statutory Knowledge: Expert knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, and best practice relating to LAC and safeguarding.
Skills: Exceptional analytical, communication, and chairing skills, with the confidence to professionally challenge decision-making at all levels.
How to Apply: Please call Lara Wilson on 0191 211 1382
Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.
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