Children's IRO - South Tyneside

Caritas Recruitment Limited; South Shields; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Caritas Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Children’s Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to chair statutory reviews and promote positive outcomes for looked-after children and young people in care. You will ensure the child’s voice is central, record wishes and feelings, and involve parents, carers and professionals in the review process.

You will monitor care plan progress, challenge drift, escalate safeguarding or placement concerns, and work with social workers, foster carers,

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration.
• Post-qualifying experience in children’s social care.
• Experience working with children in care, chairing reviews or independent scrutiny is desirable.
• Sound understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and child protection procedures.
• Excellent communication, organisation and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Chair statutory reviews independently, ensuring the child is central to decisions.
• Record and record the child’s wishes and feelings, and involve parents, carers and professionals.
• Monitor progress and effectiveness of care plans, challenge drift and escalate safeguarding issues.
• Collaborate with social workers, foster carers, education and health professionals to promote stability and best outcomes for each child.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisation

Report writing

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

An experienced and committed Children’s Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) is required to support and promote positive outcomes for children and young people in care. This is an important role for a qualified social worker with strong knowledge of safeguarding, care planning and the statutory framework relating to children looked after.

You will independently chair statutory reviews, ensuring that children and young people are at the centre of all decision‑making. You will make sure their wishes and feelings are understood, recorded and appropriately acted upon, while ensuring parents, carers and relevant professionals are meaningfully involved in the review process.

Your responsibilities will include monitoring the progress and effectiveness of care plans, challenging drift and delay, identifying safeguarding or placement concerns, and escalating issues where necessary. You will work closely with social workers, foster carers, residential staff, education and health professionals, independent advocates and other partner agencies to promote stability, permanence and the best possible outcomes for each child.

You will maintain accurate and timely records, provide clear written recommendations and contribute to improving practice and service quality. The role requires confident professional judgement, effective negotiation and the ability to challenge decisions constructively while maintaining positive working relationships.

Applicants must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and current Social Work England registration, with relevant post‑qualifying experience in children’s social care. Experience of working with children in care, chairing reviews or undertaking independent scrutiny is highly desirable. You should have a sound understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and child protection procedures, alongside excellent communication, organisation and report‑writing skills.

You will be committed to anti‑discriminatory practice, participation and achieving the best outcomes for children and young people. The ability to manage a varied caseload, work independently and travel to meetings and placements when required is essential. A current driving licence and access to suitable transport may be necessary for the role.