Independent Reviewing Officer

Directorate - Children and Young People's Services Permanent, Full Time, 37 Hours per Week Now is the time to come and work for Rotherham Council Children and Young People’s Service. For more information about Rotherham Social Care jobs, please visit our CYPS Microsite:
Due to retirement of an existing IRO, an opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and experienced professional to join our Children’s Services team as an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) from January 2027. 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.

Role Overview 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.

Key Responsibilities include:

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

For further discussion about this role please contact Joa date: 8th November 2026

Short Listing: WC 9th November 2026

Interviews: 20th November 2026

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.

Basis:
Full time