Independent Reviewing Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited on behalf of Southwark Council is seeking a seasoned Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join the IRO Service on a 2‑month contract in London. The role chairs reviews, ensures care planning is robust and child‑centred, and manages a caseload of 55–65 looked‑after children and young people.

You will chair statutory reviews, ensure the child's voice is central to decision‑making, monitor and review care plans, assess risks, and produce high‑quality written reviews and

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Chair statutory reviews for looked-after children and young people.
• Ensure the child's voice is central to decision-making and care planning.
• Monitor and review care plans to meet each child's needs.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks to safeguarding children and young people.
• Produce high-quality written review reports and outcome plans.

Job description

Job Description

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) - 2 Month Contract

Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH

Contract: 2 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Combination of Office, Home Working, and Visits

Summary

Southwark Council is seeking a seasoned Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join their dedicated IRO Service for a 2‑month contract. This role is integral to ensuring that care planning for looked‑after children and young people is effective, robust, and child‑centered. The successful candidate will work alongside a team of seven experienced IROs, managing a caseload of 55‑65 children and young people. The position involves chairing reviews, providing necessary challenges, and ensuring that care plans are aligned with the best interests of the children. The role offers regular reflective group supervision, monthly one‑on‑one supervision, and a supportive team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair statutory reviews for looked‑after children and young people.
• Ensure the child's voice is central to all decision‑making and care planning.
• Monitor and review care plans to ensure they are based on thorough assessments and meet each child's unique needs.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks to safeguard children and young people.
• Promote high‑quality, outcome‑focused, cost‑effective, and safe care planning.
• Effectively manage review meetings, ensuring full participation from children, families, carers, and professionals.
• Provide constructive challenges to social work teams to prevent delays in care planning.
• Develop recommendations and action plans that enhance family engagement and leverage wider support networks.
• Produce high‑quality written review reports and outcome plans, including child‑friendly review letters.
• Track the progress and implementation of agreed plans between review meetings.
• Review assessments and care planning documents related to children involved in court proceedings.
• Maintain effective communication with Children's Guardians and other professionals during care proceedings.
• Address professional disagreements early to avoid delays and promote positive outcomes.
• Participate in quality assurance and audit activities as needed.