Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

Your new company
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join a dedicated service supporting Children We Care For (Looked After Children).This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional with management-level experience to play a key role in driving high-quality care planning and safeguarding outcomes across the county.As an IRO, you will independently oversee care plans, chair reviews, and ensure that children's voices are central to all decision-making.

Your new role
Key Responsibilities

Chair statutory Looked After Child (LAC) Reviews ensuring high-quality care planning.
Monitor and review care plans to ensure positive outcomes for children
Provide appropriate challenge and escalation where plans do not meet required standards
Ensure the child's voice is heard and reflected in all planning
Work collaboratively with social workers, carers, and partner agencies
Contribute to maintaining and improving service quality and practice standardsWorking Arrangements

Predominantly field-based - attending reviews at children's placements across Oxfordshire
All reviews are face-to-face
Weekly in-person team meeting (location rotates across council sites)Office Locations Include:

North:

Samuelson House, Tramway Road, Banbury, OX16 5AUSouth:

Abingdon Children & Family Centre, Stratton Way, Abingdon
Didcot Children and Family Centre, The Vibe, Park Road, OX11 8QXCentral:

Union Street Children & Family Centre, Oxford, OX4 1JP
Rose Hill Children & Family Centre, Oxford, OX4 4UYAdditional Information

Mileage expenses only reimbursed
Contract required due to increased caseload and staffing gapsOpportunity to join a well-established and supportive service

What you'll need to succeed
Essential Requirements

Must be a qualified and experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Applications from Social Workers without IRO experience cannot be considered.
Social Work England (SWE) registration
Experience at management or senior practitioner level
Strong understanding of Children We Care For / Looked After Children processes
Excellent skills in challenge, audit, and quality assurance
Ability to work independently across a geographically diverse area

What you'll get in return
Be part of a forward-thinking authority committed to delivering excellent outcomes for childrenWork within a supportive and collaborative IRO service that values professional challenge and independenceEnjoy a high-impact role where your decisions directly influence care planning and safeguarding outcomes.Flexible, field-based working with autonomy across your caseloadOpportunity to contribute to service improvement and quality assurance at a strategic levelContract with potential extension in a stable and well-regarded local authority

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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