Children&;s Independent Reviewing Officer

Position: Children's Independent Reviewing Officer
Location: Shropshire

About the Role

Shropshire Council is seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer/Independent Chair to join their team. This is a pivotal role ensuring that children's care plans are robust, compliant, and focused on achieving the best outcomes. You will provide independent oversight and challenge to ensure statutory responsibilities are met and that children's voices are heard throughout the process.

Location:

Guildhall, Shropshire (with home working)
Working Pattern:
Predominantly remote, with office attendance for ICPC conferences and monthly team meetings

Key Responsibilities

Chairing Conferences:
Lead Initial Child Protection Conferences and Review Child Protection Conferences, ensuring effective multi-agency planning and decision-making.
Looked After Reviews:
Complete statutory Child Looked After Reviews, ensuring care plans are appropriate and progressing towards permanency.

Midpoint Reviews:
Conduct midpoint reviews to monitor progress and address any concerns promptly.

Quality Assurance:
Undertake quality assurance tasks, including RAG ratings, to evaluate care planning and safeguarding practice.

Challenge & Advocacy:
Provide independent challenge to ensure children's rights and best interests are central to all decisions.

Compliance:
Ensure all work aligns with statutory guidance, local policies, and best practice standards.

Skills:

Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.

Significant experience as an IRO or Independent Chair within children's services.

Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and care planning processes.

Excellent communication, leadership, and report-writing skills.

Ability to work independently and maintain impartiality while influencing positive outcomes.

If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience and this is the role for you, then we would love to hear from you