3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • We are seeking an experienced and qualified Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to provide a high-quality statutory reviewing and quality assurance service for children who are looked after. • The role also includes acting as Child Protection Conference Chair, supporting effective safeguarding and multi-agency working to protect children living in high-risk situations. • You will play a crucial role in ensuring that care and protection plans are robust, child-centred, and outcome-focused, whilst maintaining oversight of practice standards and ensuring that the voice of the child remains central to all planning and decision-making processes. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Deliver the statutory reviewing function for looked-after children, ensuring plans are timely, appropriate, and of high quality. • Act as Chair for Child Protection Conferences, promoting multi-agency collaboration and safeguarding best practices. • Ensure that the views, wishes, and feelings of children and young people are fully considered and reflected in care planning. • Maintain independent oversight and challenge on behalf of the child to ensure that services are meeting their needs. • Monitor and track care plans to ensure progress and prevent drift or delay. • Work with social work teams and partner agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people. • Identify and escalate concerns regarding practice, performance, or compliance with statutory requirements. • Contribute to service development and performance monitoring through analysis and feedback. • Participate in training, supervision, and peer reviews as part of a continuous improvement culture. • Use hybrid working methods including face-to-face and virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams. Skills/Experience: • Extensive experience in looked-after children’s services and child protection. • Previous experience as an IRO or CP Chair (or senior practitioner/team manager level). • In-depth knowledge of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, Children Act 1989, and associated regulations and statutory guidance. • Proven ability to chair complex meetings and multi-agency forums. • Strong understanding of child development, attachment, and trauma-informed practice. • Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. • Ability to provide independent scrutiny and constructive challenge to professionals and agencies. • Confident in using case management systems and digital tools for remote working. • Strong organisational and analytical skills with a focus on outcomes and continuous improvement. Additional Information: • Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Care Wales. • Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week. • Location: Hybrid – office-based and remote (Teams). • The closing date: 26/09/2025.