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An experienced Independent Reviewing Officer is required to lead and quality-assure reviews for children and young people who are looked after by the local authority. This is an important role focused on ensuring that every child’s voice is heard, their welfare remains central to decision-making, and plans are progressing towards safe, stable and permanent outcomes.

You will chair statutory looked-after children reviews, ensuring they take place within required timescales and that all relevant professionals, carers, parents and children are appropriately involved. You will promote the child’s participation, advocate for their wishes and feelings, and provide independent challenge where plans, services or decisions do not sufficiently meet their needs.

Key responsibilities will include scrutinising care plans, assessing progress against agreed outcomes, identifying drift or delay, and ensuring effective arrangements are in place for education, health, contact, placement stability and permanence. You will contribute to safeguarding and escalation processes, maintain accurate and timely records, and work closely with social workers, managers, foster carers, residential providers, education and health professionals, and other partner agencies.

The successful candidate will hold a recognised social work qualification and current professional registration, with substantial post-qualification experience in children’s social care. You will have a sound understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding practice, including the care planning and review framework. Experience of chairing looked-after children reviews, working with complex family circumstances and providing constructive professional challenge is essential.

You will be confident working independently, managing competing priorities and making balanced, evidence-based decisions. Excellent communication, report-writing and analytical skills are required, together with the ability to build effective relationships while maintaining professional independence. A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice, equality, participation and improving outcomes for children and young people is essential. The role may require travel to meetings and placements, along with flexibility to meet service demands.