Independent Reviewing Officer

Independent Reviewing Officer

Salary £51,356 - £54,495 & excellent benefits (Pay Award Pending). Contractual hours 37. Basis Full time. Region:
Rotherham.

Job reference: REQ
23170. Posted: 03/06/2026.

Role Category:
Children's Social Work.

Directorate:
Children and Young People’s Services. Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week.

An opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and experienced professional to join our Children’s Services team as an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO). This pivotal role is central to ensuring that the Local Authority fulfils its statutory responsibilities towards Children in Care, and that care planning is both effective and child‑centred.

The successful candidate will be responsible for chairing statutory reviews for Children in Care, ensuring that care plans are robust, reflect the child’s current needs, and promote positive outcomes. The IRO will provide independent oversight and scrutiny of the Local Authority’s performance in relation to care planning and safeguarding, offering constructive challenge where necessary to uphold the best interests of the child.

The post holder will be expected to ensure full compliance with the statutory guidance outlined in the IRO Handbook and relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and associated regulations. The role requires a commitment to promoting the voice of the child and ensuring that their views are central to all decision‑making processes.

• Chair statutory reviews in accordance with legal and procedural requirements.
• Monitor the progress and quality of care planning and decision‑making.
• Escalate concerns and challenge poor practice in a restorative and solution‑focused manner.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of reviews and decisions.
• Promote multi‑agency collaboration to support positive outcomes for children.

Closing date:
Sunday 21 June. Interviews:
Monday 29 June 2026.

For further discussion about this role please contact Joa

This post involves working with children and therefore, if successful, you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.

For further information, please visit our website.

Riverside House
Main Street
Rotherham
S60 1AE