Job Opportunity: Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) – Durham 🌟
Location: Durham
Contract Type: Agency
Salary: 27.05 PAY or 35.53 LTd per hour
Are you an experienced and confident social work professional with a passion for driving high standards in care planning and safeguarding? We are seeking a dedicated Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join our team in Durham, playing a vital role in championing the rights and welfare of children and young people.
🔍 About the Role As an IRO, you will act as an independent Chairperson for a range of key meetings including Children in Care Reviews, Child Protection Conferences, Private Fostering Reviews, Secure Accommodation Reviews, Foster Carer Reviews, and disruption or complex planning meetings. You will also contribute significantly to quality assurance processes and service improvement across Children and Young People’s Services.
💼 Key Responsibilities
Chair statutory and complex planning meetings with professionalism and impartiality
Ensure the voices and experiences of children and young people are central to care planning
Challenge and support senior managers and practitioners to promote best outcomes
Maintain and develop robust quality assurance mechanisms aligned with departmental and national standards
Support effective multi-agency collaboration and practice development
Ensure legal compliance, especially regarding Care Planning Regulations, Fostering Regulations, and safeguarding guidance
Participate in service audits and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
Actively engage with Local Safeguarding Children Board processes and interagency collaboration✅ Essential Skills and Experience
Qualified Social Worker with relevant registration
Substantial experience in children’s social care, including safeguarding and care planning
Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance (e.g. Care Planning Regulations, Working Together, Children Act)
Skilled in chairing complex meetings and providing independent oversight
Excellent communication and analytical skills
Confident in offering professional challenge and maintaining high practice standards🎁 What We Offer
A rewarding role with a clear focus on improving outcomes for children and families
The opportunity to influence and shape service delivery and practice
Supportive team environment and leadership
Professional development opportunitiesMake a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Join our team in Durham and be a driving force in quality, safeguarding, and care planning.
To apply or for more information, please contact Delanie on (phone number removed) or Email (url removed)