Independent reviewing officer (iro)

Job Description

Your new companyOxfordshire County Council is seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join a dedicated service supporting Children We Care For (Looked After Children).This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional with management-level experience to play a key role in driving high-quality care planning and safeguarding outcomes across the county.As an IRO, you will independently oversee care plans, chair reviews, and ensure that children's voices are central to all decision-making.Your new roleKey Responsibilities

• Chair statutory Looked After Child (LAC) Reviews ensuring high-quality care planning.
• Monitor and review care plans to ensure positive outcomes for children
• Provide appropriate challenge and escalation where plans do not meet required standards
• Ensure the child's voice is heard and reflected in all planning
• Work collaboratively with social workers, carers, and partner agencies
• Contribute to maintaining and improving service quality and practice standards

Working Arrangements

• Predominantly field-based - attending reviews at children's placements across Oxfordshire
• All reviews are face-to-face
• Weekly in-person team meeting (location rotates across council sites)

Office Locations Include:North:

• Samuelson House, Tramway Road, Banbury, OX16 5AU

South:

• Abingdon Children & Family Centre, Stratton Way, Abingdon
• Didcot Children and Family Centre, The Vibe, Park Road, OX11 8QX

Central:

• Union Street Children & Family Centre, Oxford, OX4 1JP
• Rose Hill Children & Family Centre, Oxford, OX4 4UY

Additional Information

• Mileage expenses only reimbursed
• Contract required due to increased caseload and staffing gaps

Opportunity to join a well-established and supportive serviceWhat you'll need to succeedEssential Requirements

• Must be a qualified and experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) Applications from Social Workers without IRO experience cannot be considered.
• Social Work England (SWE) registration
• Experience at management or senior practitioner level
• Strong understanding of Children We Care For / Looked After Children processes
• Excellent skills in challenge, audit, and quality assurance
• Ability to work independently across a geographically diverse area

What you'll get in returnBe part of a forward-thinking authority committed to delivering excellent outcomes for childrenWork within a supportive and collaborative IRO service that values professional challenge and independenceEnjoy a high-impact role where your decisions directly influence care planning and safeguarding outcomes.Flexible, field-based working with autonomy across your caseloadOpportunity to contribute to service improvement and quality assurance at a strategic levelContract with potential extension in a stable and well-regarded local authorityWhat you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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