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 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 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. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk