Independent Reviewing Officer – EK

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Sefton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to lead statutory review meetings for children in care and care leavers. You will monitor the quality of care planning, challenge decisions when necessary, and ensure compliance with safeguarding standards and statutory guidance.

You will work with children, families, social workers and partner agencies to ensure care plans are appropriate, effective and focused on positive outcomes, while documenting decisions

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification (Degree in Social Work, CQSW or equivalent).
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant experience in children’s social care, especially children in care and child protection.
• Experience of statutory review processes, care planning and safeguarding.
• Strong communication, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with children, families and professionals.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.

Responsibilities

• Chair statutory reviews for children in care, ensuring their wishes, feelings and views are considered.
• Monitor care plans to ensure they meet children’s needs and support positive outcomes.
• Review service delivery and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and statutory guidance.
• Identify and challenge delays in care planning and elevate concerns where children’s needs are not being met.
• Promote safeguarding and child welfare by providing professional advice and guidance to social work teams.
• Work collaboratively with children, families, social workers and external professionals.
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records of review meetings, decisions and recommendations.
• Promote best practice and ensure children receive appropriate care, protection and support.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Report writing

Engage with children and families

Education

Degree in Social Work / CQSW or equivalent

Job description

Independent Reviewing Officer

Location: Sefton
Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
Department: Children’s Services
Role Type: Qualified Social Work

About the Role

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is looking for an experienced and dedicated Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join its Qualified Social Work team. This is an important role focused on safeguarding vulnerable children and young people, ensuring their needs are met, their voices are heard, and they receive the care and support they deserve.

You will lead and chair statutory review meetings for children in care and care leavers, ensuring their care plans are appropriate, effective and focused on achieving positive outcomes. Working closely with children, families, social workers and partner agencies, you will independently monitor the quality of care planning, challenge decisions where necessary, and ensure services meet statutory requirements and safeguarding standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair statutory reviews for children in care, ensuring their wishes, feelings and views are considered.
• Monitor care plans to ensure they meet children’s needs and support positive outcomes.
• Review service delivery and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and statutory guidance.
• Identify and challenge delays in care planning and elevate concerns where children’s needs are not being met.
• Promote safeguarding and child welfare by providing professional advice and guidance to social work teams.
• Work collaboratively with children, families, social workers and external professionals.
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records of review meetings, decisions and recommendations.
• Promote best practice and ensure children receive appropriate care, protection and support.

Essential Requirements

• A recognised social work qualification, such as a Degree in Social Work, CQSW or equivalent.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant experience working within children’s social care, particularly children in care and child protection.
• Experience of statutory review processes, care planning and safeguarding.
• Strong communication, analytical and report-writing skills.
• The ability to engage effectively with children, families and professionals.
• The confidence to work independently, challenge decisions appropriately and manage a varied workload.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people. You will play a vital role in ensuring their rights, wishes and needs remain central to care planning and decision-making, while working alongside professionals committed to improving outcomes for children and families.