Job Description

Job Title: Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Independent Child Protection Chair (ICC)

Contract Type: Short-Term / Interim

Reports To: Service Manager - Safeguarding and Review

Hours: Full-Time

Job Purpose

The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Independent Child Protection Chair (ICC) will be responsible for ensuring that every child or young person in care has a robust, timely, and effective care plan that reflects their individual needs, rights, and aspirations. The role also involves leading and chairing Child Protection Conferences to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

The postholder will act as a key advocate for children, ensuring their voices are heard and that statutory responsibilities are met in accordance with the

IRO Handbook (2010)

, the

Children Act 1989

, and other relevant legislation and statutory guidance.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance of Care Planning

Ensure that every child or young person has a comprehensive and effective care plan that meets their assessed needs and promotes positive outcomes. Monitor the quality and effectiveness of care planning, intervening where necessary to prevent drift and delay. Provide professional oversight and challenge to ensure statutory timescales and requirements are consistently met.

Advocacy for the Child

Ensure that the wishes and feelings of each child or young person are fully considered in all planning and decision-making processes. Promote the child's voice as central to care planning, reviews, and statutory meetings. Advocate on behalf of the child where their views or needs are not being adequately addressed.

Reviewing and Monitoring

Chair statutory Looked-After Children (LAC) Reviews in line with legislative requirements. Monitor the local authority's effectiveness in implementing care plans, holding professionals accountable for agreed actions and outcomes. Ensure timely follow-up and resolution of issues arising from reviews.

Escalation and Challenge

Escalate concerns when statutory expectations or standards of practice are not met. Challenge decisions and delays to ensure the child's welfare remains paramount. Maintain oversight of escalation processes and outcomes to improve service quality.

Statutory Compliance

Operate in full accordance with the

IRO Handbook (2010)

,

Children Act 1989

,

Children Act 2004

,

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

, and all relevant local and national guidance. Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive records of all reviews and decisions.

Core Duties of the Independent Child Protection Chair

Chair

Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences

, ensuring that all agency views are heard and decisions are made in the best interests of the child. Make the

final decision

on whether a child should be subject to a Child Protection Plan. Apply

restorative practice principles

to promote effective communication and collaboration among professionals and families. Oversee the implementation of child protection plans and ensure

timely progress

between conferences. Monitor and challenge practice to

prevent drift and delay

in safeguarding interventions.

Qualifications and Professional Membership

Qualified Social Worker

(e.g., DipSW, CQSW, BA or MA in Social Work).

HCPC / Social Work England Registration

(or equivalent). Evidence of

post-qualifying training

and ongoing

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

.

Knowledge and Experience

Significant

post-qualification experience

in work with children and families, with

at least 3 years

in a statutory child care setting. Proven experience in

safeguarding

,

care planning

, and

reviewing

within children's services. Experience of

supervising or supporting social work staff

. In-depth knowledge of the

Children Act 1989

,

IRO Handbook (2010)

, and associated legislation and statutory guidance. Experience of

chairing multi-disciplinary meetings

and managing complex cases. Strong understanding of

Looked-After Children (LAC)

systems and child protection processes. Critical awareness of

current practice issues

, regulations, and guidance relating to: Child Protection Looked-After Children Knowledge of

monitoring and quality assurance

frameworks within children's services.

Skills and Competencies

Excellent

chairing and facilitation

skills in formal multi-agency settings. Strong

decision-making

and

analytical

abilities. High level of

interpersonal

,

written

, and

verbal communication

skills. Ability to provide

consultation, advice, and challenge

to social work and partner agency staff. Strong commitment to

anti-discriminatory practice

,

equality

, and

inclusion

. Proven ability to

manage complex caseloads

and work

independently

while maintaining professional standards. Demonstrated ability to

promote reflective practice

and continuous improvement.

Personal Attributes

Child-focused and passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children and young people. Confident and assertive, able to challenge practice constructively. Emotionally resilient and adaptable to changing demands. Commitment to maintaining professional integrity and confidentiality.
Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 28.00-29.00 per hour

Work Location: In person