Job type
TemporaryLocation
OxfordshireWorking Pattern
Full-timeSpecialism
Qualified Social WorkerIndustry
Healthcare & MedicalPay
Paying up to £47.50 UMB
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
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.
