Independent Reviewing Officer - Part-Time

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join Five Rivers, a trusted Social Enterprise that has been turning children’s lives around since 1989. This role involves completing Foster Carer Annual Reviews for our South West Fostering Service, with offices in Bristol and Gloucester.

This is a hybrid role: while most work is home‑based, the first and third annual reviews take place in person, either in a Five Rivers office or in the foster carer’s home.

You will work with a manageable caseload and benefit from strong organisational support, resources, and a trauma‑informed working environment to ensure you can deliver high‑quality, impactful reviews.

• Complete foster carer annual reviews.
• Provide quality assurance and develop action plans.
• Hold regular meetings with the Registered Service Manager to discuss any issues arising from reviews.
• Work within our trauma‑informed ATIC F model, evolving in line with research and best practice.
• Collaborate with colleagues and managers to ensure high standards for foster carers and young people, meeting all Ofsted requirements.
• Participate in quarterly Independent Reviewing Officer meetings.
• Contribute to the annual IRO board report.
• Travel across the South West Region, and occasionally beyond, as part of the IRO Group.
• 22.5 hours preferably Mon - Wed.

• Formal induction and training in our paperless electronic system (CHARMs).
• Support and consultation from local managers within the Southwest Service.
• Opportunity to liaise with the Agency Decision maker within the review process.
• Competitive annual leave allowance.
• Market‑related salary plus car allowance.
• Pension scheme and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Blue Light Card.
• Simply Health Medical Cash Back Plan.

You will be an enthusiastic team player with a passion for achieving the best outcomes for children and foster carers. You will also bring:

• Experience in frontline management or senior social work, including staff supervision and chairing complex meetings (e.g., child protection conferences, multi‑agency meetings, carer reviews).
• A formal social work qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to provide scrutiny, challenge, and guidance at all organisational levels.
• In‑depth knowledge of legislation, policy, and procedures relating to looked‑after children.
• A flexible and creative approach to your work.
• A valid driving licence and the right to work in the UK.

Do not delay your application. For more information, please contact our recruitment team:
Recruitment@five‑rivers.org (Option
2).

Five Rivers Child Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be required to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including employment references and a DBS check.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.