Independent Reviewing Officer

JOB Applydb742659

Independent Reviewing Officer - Children's Services

Location: Slough, UK Hourly Rate: £42.84 Contract Type: Ongoing Working Pattern: Part-Time (3 days per week)

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join Slough's Children's Services team. In this critical role, you will champion the rights and well-being of Looked After Children , ensuring their voices are heard and their futures safeguarded. With a flexible part-time schedule (3 days/week) and a competitive hourly rate of £42.84 , this role offers an ideal balance of impact and flexibility.

Key Benefits

Part-Time Flexibility: Achieve a better work-life balance with a structured three-day workweek.

Professional Development: Access to continuous learning and development opportunities.

Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals focused on driving meaningful change.

Purposeful Work: Directly influence care planning and outcomes for children and young people in care.

Key Responsibilities

Chair Statutory Reviews: Lead Looked After Children's reviews in accordance with legal frameworks and best practice.

Care Plan Oversight: Ensure care plans are SMART , outcome-focused, and aligned with each child's individual needs and wishes.

Challenge and Escalation: Raise concerns where there is drift, delay, or poor practice; ensure appropriate escalation routes are followed.

Quality Assurance: Monitor the effectiveness of services through the review process, providing feedback to senior management to inform improvement strategies.

Child Advocacy: Actively promote and safeguard the voice and participation of children and young people, ensuring access to advocacy services where needed.

Multi-Agency Collaboration: Work effectively with education, health, social care, and other professionals to deliver holistic and consistent care planning.

Documentation: Maintain high-quality, analytical review records that reflect each child's lived experience and meet statutory requirements.

Essential Criteria

Qualification: Degree in Social Work (or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England .

Experience: Extensive post-qualifying experience in statutory children's services, ideally including Looked After Children and child protection .

Skills & Knowledge:

In-depth understanding of care planning regulations , Children Act 1989 , and IRO Handbook .

Strong skills in professional challenge , multi-agency liaison , and reflective practice .

Proven ability to write clear, analytical reports and maintain robust records.

Attributes:

Committed to safeguarding and promoting the rights and well-being of children.

Emotionally resilient and able to work autonomously within a high-accountability framework.

Reflective, ethical, and confident in decision-making.

Why Work in Slough?

Slough is a vibrant, well-connected town just outside London, offering an excellent blend of urban accessibility and community charm . With thriving cultural diversity, strong transport links, and access to beautiful countryside, Slough provides an ideal base for both personal and professional life.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is a trusted and award-winning agency, consistently rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot by over 1,000 professionals. We are committed to helping you find the best roles at competitive rates, with full support from registration to placement.

Apply today to take the next step in your social work career and make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people in Slough.