Independent Reviewing Officer

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) – Children’s Social Care Location: Tameside Pay Rate: £40.00 per hour Contract Length: Initial 3 months (high likelihood of extension) Working Arrangements: In-person reviews (not virtual), travel to placements required Tameside Council is seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to play a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting the well-being of their cared for children. This role is integral in ensuring that children and young people in care receive the best possible support, oversight, and advocacy. Key Responsibilities: 🔹 Chairing Cared-for Reviews: Facilitate and lead statutory reviews for looked after children, ensuring their care plans meet their needs and comply with legal requirements. Reviews are conducted in person at the child’s placement. 🔹 Quality Assurance & Auditing: Conduct practice impact reviews (audits) to assess the effectiveness of care planning, social work interventions, and multi-agency working. 🔹 Child-focused Case Oversight: Undertake regular IRO visits to children and young people to ensure their voices are heard, and complete midpoint reviews to track progress. 🔹 Caseload Management: Initially take on a caseload of approximately 60 children/young people. Due to prior inconsistencies in case management, there will be a significant need to reorganise and bring stability to the caseload. Over time, this caseload will increase to align with other IROs (typically around 85). 🔹 Multi-Agency Collaboration: Work closely with social workers, carers, families, and partner agencies to ensure children’s plans are effective, meet their best interests, and comply with statutory guidance. 🔹 Challenge and Escalation: Where necessary, challenge poor practice, escalate concerns, and advocate for improved outcomes for children in care. Essential Requirements: ✅ Substantial experience as a Team Manager in Children’s Social Care and/or previous experience as an IRO ✅ Expert knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance related to looked after children (Children Act 1989, IRO Handbook, Care Planning Regulations) ✅ Exceptional organisational and workload management skills to restructure and stabilise an inherited caseload ✅ Strong communication and advocacy skills to ensure children’s voices are central to decision making ✅ Ability to work independently and exercise professional judgment when reviewing and challenging care planning decisions Interested? Call me on (phone number removed) or send your CV to (url removed)