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Independent Reviewing Officer, Chelmsford
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Client:
Essex County Council
Location:
Job Category:
Construction
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
b2f4025dbe7c
Job Views:
4
Posted:
02.05.2025
Expiry Date:
16.06.2025
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Job Description:
Independent Reviewing Officer
Permanent, Full Time
Working Style:
Closing Date: 11th May 2025
Interview Date: 19th May 2025
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row.
The Role
Independent Reviewing Officer for mid and north Essex. Home-based role with the need to travel to chair looked after child reviews and visit children.
To provide an effective Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) service for children in care, in accordance with statutory regulation, guidance, and Essex County Council procedures. To review the cases of children who are looked after as laid down in Volume 2 Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations (2021), and the IRO Handbook (2010).
The statutory duties of the IRO are to [Section 25B (1), 1989 CA]:
* Monitor the performance by the local authority of their functions in relation to the child’s case.
* Participate in any review of the child’s case.
* Ensure the wishes and feelings of the child are given due consideration by the authority.
* Perform any other function which is prescribed in regulations.
The Independent Reviewing Officer’s primary focus is to quality assure the care planning and review process for each looked after child, and to ensure that the child’s needs, wishes and feelings are given full consideration. The review process should consider the child’s assessed needs, their progress, and will agree both long-term plans and immediate steps to meet these needs and promote the child’s welfare. The purpose of the review process is to ensure that the child’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted in the most effective way while looked after by the Local Authority.
The IRO role is one of practice expertise in children in care and care planning, pivotal in driving Essex County Council’s commitment to better outcomes for children in care. The IRO should actively contribute to fulfilling the council’s responsibilities as a ‘corporate parent’ by providing scrutiny and challenge to practitioners and managers within the organization.
Accountabilities
* Ensure statutory review meetings are held within required timescales, with relevant family members, parents, carers, and professionals identified, invited, and/or consulted fully, in conjunction with the Social Worker responsible for the child, considering the child’s wishes and feelings.
* Independently monitor the child’s progress between reviews, ensuring the care plan continues to meet assessed needs, and convene a formal review when necessary.
* Communicate directly with senior management within Family Operations when the Local Authority fails to meet its statutory obligations, especially where poor practice increases risk.
* Contribute to strategic and corporate plans, representing issues relevant to looked after children to secure better outcomes and service improvements.
* Ensure children have access to advocacy services where appropriate.
* Support children and young people in accessing and using the authority’s complaints and compliments procedures.
* Ensure appropriate support for parents and carers to participate fully in review processes, including mediation and dispute resolution when necessary.
* Act as an expert advisor, providing consultation and mentoring to Family Operations staff on children in care issues.
* Produce review decisions and reports in line with statutory requirements.
* Follow administrative procedures for report completion, distribution, and record updates within prescribed timescales.
* Monitor the efficiency of the Independent Reviewing Service, recommending improvements.
* Stay informed of research impacting children in care and make relevant recommendations.
* Contribute to the development and delivery of the Reviewing Service across the County.
* Work towards objectives for Children in Care as outlined in the Multi Agency Children in Care Strategy 2012-2017.
* Undertake other duties reasonably required, commensurate with the grade.
The Experience You Will Bring
* Educated to Dip SW or degree in Social Work practice.
* PQ Childcare Award or equivalent experience.
* Current Social Work England Registration.
* Ability to build relationships with children and young people, promoting their interests and feelings.
* Commitment to family time and relationships with children’s families.
* Knowledge and experience working with children, families, and children in care, familiar with statutory obligations, codes of practice, and research.
* Operational planning and service delivery experience within children’s services, with proven achievements.
* Experience chairing meetings with children, parents, carers, and professionals.
* Ability to work constructively with senior managers, offering critical feedback and challenge.
* Understanding of change management within large organizations.
* Experience providing social work supervision and support.
* Experience developing planning and performance frameworks in multi-disciplinary settings.
* Thorough knowledge of legal frameworks relating to children in care and care leavers, including standards and regulations.
* Understanding of legal processes involved in court applications by local authorities.
* Knowledge of quality practice standards for safeguarding and promoting welfare.
Why Essex?
As a large and dynamic UK local authority, Essex offers a stimulating environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we focus on transformational change and better service delivery. Recognized in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we prioritize everyone’s well-being. We offer flexible working options and innovative approaches to career development and community contribution.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, aiming to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. Further information can be found on our website, including details about the recruitment process. Your commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare is essential.
The role requires mobility across Essex and beyond. A driving license and access to a car, or alternative mobility means, are essential.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
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