Job Title: Independent Reviewing OfficerRef: Bournemouth 5274317Pay rate: £35.15 per hour PAYERole length: Anticipated 3 – 4 monthsWorking Arrangement: This is not a virtual role – all conferences and reviews are held in personAdditional requirements: You must be able to travel around the borough and to other areas of the UKDBS requirement: An Enhanced DBS is required for this roleThe role:We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join the Safeguarding Team.This is a pivotal role, responsible for ensuring effective planning and robust review processes for children who are in care, subject to child protection plans, or whose foster carer approvals require regular review.As an IRO, you will chair child protection conferences, statutory children in care reviews, child in need planning meetings, and reviews of foster carer approvals.You will play a crucial part in the quality assurance framework, championing the rights and welfare of children and young people across our services.Key Responsibilities:Child Protection:
* Chair child protection conferences and planning meetings in line with Pan-Dorset and local procedures
* Provide expert advice on child protection matters to internal teams and partner agencies
* Monitor and quality-assure child protection practice, feeding back to practitioners and managers
* Keep abreast of legislative and policy developments, and ensure effective dissemination
* Analyse and report on local trends in child protection activity
Children in Care:
* Chair statutory reviews for children in care to monitor progress and ensure timely, outcome-focused planning
* Act in line with the National IRO Handbook and local policy
* Monitor care planning quality and offer constructive challenge where necessary
* Provide advice and guidance to practitioners and external professionals
* Contribute to policy development and strategic planning
* Collect, analyse, and report on data relating to children in care
Foster Carer Reviews:
* Lead the review process for foster carer approvals
* Assess quality of care, matching, supervision, and training provided to foster carers
* Contribute to the Fostering Panel with independent oversight and reporting
* Support development of fostering policies and procedures
* Analyse relevant data and share insights with key stakeholders
General Responsibilities:
* Chair child in need planning meetings as required
* Contribute to staff training, organisational learning, and reflective practice
* Produce reports and analysis for managers, elected members, panels, and boards
* Support wider Safeguarding Team functions and quality assurance initiatives
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, safeguarding standards, and best practice
What the client is looking for:
* Professional qualification DipSW, CQSW or equivalent
* Post qualification professional training experience
* SWE Registration
* Substantial post qualification fieldwork experience with children and young people
* Experience of working in a multi-agency/ disciplinary setting
* Experience of chairing multi agency meetings and/or complex planning/review meetings
* Thorough knowledge of all relevant legislation including the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004 and government guidance in relation to child protection, children in care and fostering services
* Management of risk knowledge
* Knowledge of the Assessment Framework in relation to Children’s Services
* Best practice in relation to Children’s Services knowledge
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Good understanding of social work processes in Assessment Framework, CIN, child protection, children in care and fostering service provision
* Ability to manage disagreement/conflict within meetings
* Ability to negotiate and achieve agreements within complex multi-agency meetings and work with representatives from other agencies to develop plans for children at risk and in care
How to Apply:
* Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application.
* Submit your CV in Word format.
* Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended.
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