Independent reviewing officer (iro)

Your newpany

Oxfordshire 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 oues 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 role

Key Responsibilities

Chair statutory Looked After Child (LAC) Reviews ensuring high-quality care planning.

Monitor and review care plans to ensure positive oues 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 service

What you'll need to succeed

Essential 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 return

Be part of a forward-thinking authoritymitted to delivering excellent oues 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 oues.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 authority