Children's Independent Reviewing Officer

Children's Independent Reviewing Officer – 12 months fixed term

Pay: £53,460 (pro rata for part time colleagues). This role offers opportunity for growth and meaningful contribution within a forward‑thinking team.

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Children’s Services is recruiting an Independent Reviewing Officer for a 12‑month fixed term (possible extension). The successful candidate will support children in care who live outside the BCP area, primarily in the Midlands and northern UK.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting in‑person meetings and visits with children and their families.
• Delivering scrutiny, support, and challenge to informal social workers to ensure care and protection plans progress in a timely manner.
• Chairing child protection conferences virtually via Teams when required.
• Managing child‑in‑care meetings and providing robust case‑work quality assurance.
• Maintaining regular correspondence and coordination with partner agencies.
• Attending induction, training, and development days at BCP offices.
• Working from home between visits, with mileage expenses reimbursed.

Qualifications and experience:

• Full driving licence and access to a private vehicle.
• Registered with Social Work England and Social Work qualified.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check completed.
• Experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer or similar role preferred.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and IT skills.
• Existing right to work in the UK.

Benefits available to this role include:

• Full induction & practice fundamentals support.
• Clear career progression and excellent learning opportunities.
• Manageable caseloads and regular supervision.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements in refurbished offices.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Relocation scheme.
• Staff network groups.

Attached documents:

• Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Chair Role