Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) – Children & Families
* Client: Isle of Wight Council
* Location: County Hall, High Street, Newport, PO30 1UD
* Rate: £35.62 PAYE / £47.50 Umbrella
* Hours: 37 per week
* Start: 4 May 2026
* Duration: Ongoing
* Work Pattern: Mix of days (confirmed at interview)
About the Role
Isle of Wight Council is seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer to support Children’s Services. You’ll chair Looked After Children (LAC) reviews and Child Protection Conferences, ensuring plans are child‑centred, outcome‑focused and delivered within statutory timescales. The role also supports the continued embedding of the Signs of Safety model across the service.
Key Responsibilities
* Chair LAC reviews and Child Protection Conferences
* Implement and embed Signs of Safety practice within conferencing
* Ensure children’s voices are heard and reflected in all plans
* Provide specialist consultation, quality assurance and professional challenge
* Monitor compliance with statutory timescales and review frameworks
* Build strong relationships with partners to improve outcomes
* Raise safeguarding alerts, practice concerns and conflict‑resolution issues where required
* Summarise decisions, actions and recommendations clearly at the end of meetings
* Undertake Regulation 33 visits to Beaulieu
* Contribute to duty systems to ensure timely organisation of conferences
* Provide feedback to social workers and managers to support practice improvement
* Audit cases and support continuous quality assurance
What You’ll Need
* Qualified Social Worker with post‑qualifying experience
* Strong background in LAC reviews and Child Protection Conferences
* Knowledge of Signs of Safety, safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance
* Ability to challenge practice appropriately and maintain professional independence
* Excellent communication, chairing and decision‑making skills
* Ability to work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners
* Commitment to equality, fairness and child‑centred practice
#J-18808-Ljbffr