Independent Reviewing Officer
£36.78 per hour
Gateshead, Tyne & Wear
37 hours p/w
About the role:
We are seeking a skilled and experienced IRO/ICC to the team on a short-term basis. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ prior experience in a similar role, with a strong understanding of safeguarding, care planning, and statutory responsibilities. You’ll be confident working independently, managing complex caseloads, and contributing to high-quality outcomes for children and families across the county.
Quality Assurance of Care Planning: Ensure that each child or young person in care has a robust, timely, and effective care plan that reflects their needs and aspirations.
Advocacy for the Child: Ensure the child’s wishes and feelings are heard and considered in all planning and decision-making processes.
Reviewing and Monitoring: Chair statutory reviews for looked-after children and monitor the local authority’s performance in implementing the care plan.
Escalation and Challenge: Where statutory expectations are not met, escalate concerns within the local authority to ensure children’s needs are met to the highest standard.
Statutory Compliance: Operate in line with the IRO Handbook (2010), Children Act 1989, and other relevant legislation and guidance.
Core Duties of the Independent Child Protection Chair
Chairing Child Protection Conferences: Lead Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences, ensuring all views are considered and decisions are made in the child’s best interest.
Decision-Making: Make the final decision on whether a child should be subject to a Child Protection Plan.
Effective communication utilising the components of restorative practice.
Monitoring Progress: Oversee the implementation of child protection plans and ensure timely progress between conferences.
Preventing Drift and Delay: Actively monitor cases to avoid unnecessary delays in planning and intervention.
What you need:
1. A degree in Social Work or equivalent
2. Registered with Social Work England
3. At least 3 years PQE direct employment within English Local Authorities
4. Completed relevant post-qualifying training
5. Enhanced DBS check
6. Excellent communication and written skills
Why Work with Pertemps Social Care?
We’re committed to making your job search seamless and rewarding. Here’s what our candidates can expect:
Your Own Consultant – Your contact will be a social care specialist who knows the sector inside-out, has great connections across the region, and provides the tailored career advice you need to ensure the next step is the best one for you.
Simple, Online Registration – Our process is designed to ensure your registration journey is quick and straightforward.
Exclusive Roles – you have access to roles exclusive to us
Great Incentives – We have an exceptional referral scheme. Recommend your friends and colleagues and earn an introduction fee of £250. We will pay you £250 if you find your own role
State of the Art Compliance – We use powerful next-generation software to manage these critical processes are as quick, efficient, and stress-free as possible.
Fast, Reliable Payroll – Get paid promptly and securely, every time.
And much more to ensure your job-search is smooth and hassle-free.
Our Roles
We place Social Care Practitioners into a wide range of essential roles, including:
7. Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
8. Best Interest Assessor (BIA)
9. Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
10. Looked After Children (LAC)
11. Fostering / Adoption
12. Children’s & Adult Social Work
13. Service Manager / Head of Service
14. Team Manager / Assistant Team Manager
15. Occupational Therapist