Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

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  • Job type

    Temporary

  • Location

    Oxfordshire

  • Working Pattern

    Full-time

  • Specialism

    Qualified Social Worker

  • Industry

    Healthcare & Medical

  • Pay

    Paying up to £47.50 UMB
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Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) | Children’s Services | Oxfordshire County Council | £38.12 PAYE / £47.50

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 standards
Working 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 5AU
South:
  • Abingdon Children & Family Centre, Stratton Way, Abingdon
  • Didcot Children and Family Centre, The Vibe, Park Road, OX11 8QX
Central:
  • Union Street Children & Family Centre, Oxford, OX4 1JP
  • Rose Hill Children & Family Centre, Oxford, OX4 4UY
Additional Information
  • Mileage expenses only reimbursed
  • Contract required due to increased caseload and staffing gaps
Opportunity 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 children
Work within a supportive and collaborative IRO service that values professional challenge and independence
Enjoy a high-impact role where your decisions directly influence care planning and safeguarding outcomes.
Flexible, field-based working with autonomy across your caseload
Opportunity to contribute to service improvement and quality assurance at a strategic level
Contract 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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Talk to Samantha Millan, the specialist consultant managing this position

Located in Birmingham, 3rd Floor, One Colmore Square, Telephone 0121 230 1485
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