Independent Reviewing Officer

Independent Reviewing Officer
£36.78 per hour
Gateshead, Tyne & Wear
37 hours p/w

About the role:
We are seeking a skilled and experienced IRO/ICC to the team on a short-term basis. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ prior experience in a similar role, with a strong understanding of safeguarding, care planning, and statutory responsibilities. You’ll be confident working independently, managing complex caseloads, and contributing to high-quality outcomes for children and families across the county.

Quality Assurance of Care Planning: Ensure that each child or young person in care has a robust, timely, and effective care plan that reflects their needs and aspirations.
Advocacy for the Child: Ensure the child’s wishes and feelings are heard and considered in all planning and decision-making processes.
Reviewing and Monitoring: Chair statutory reviews for looked-after children and monitor the local authority’s performance in implementing the care plan.
Escalation and Challenge: Where statutory expectations are not met, escalate concerns within the local authority to ensure children’s needs are met to the highest standard.
Statutory Compliance: Operate in line with the IRO Handbook (2010), Children Act 1989, and other relevant legislation and guidance.
Core Duties of the Independent Child Protection Chair
Chairing Child Protection Conferences: Lead Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences, ensuring all views are considered and decisions are made in the child’s best interest.
Decision-Making: Make the final decision on whether a child should be subject to a Child Protection Plan.
Effective communication utilising the components of restorative practice.
Monitoring Progress: Oversee the implementation of child protection plans and ensure timely progress between conferences.
Preventing Drift and Delay: Actively monitor cases to avoid unnecessary delays in planning and intervention.

What you need:

• A degree in Social Work or equivalent
• Registered with Social Work England
• At least 3 years PQE direct employment within English Local Authorities
• Completed relevant post-qualifying training
• Enhanced DBS check
• Excellent communication and written skills

 
 
Why Work with Pertemps Social Care?
 
We’re committed to making your job search seamless and rewarding. Here’s what our candidates can expect:
 
✅ Your Own Consultant – Your contact will be a social care specialist who knows the sector inside-out, has great connections across the region, and provides the tailored career advice you need to ensure the next step is the best one for you.
✅ Simple, Online Registration – Our process is designed to ensure your registration journey is quick and straightforward.
✅ Exclusive Roles – you have access to roles exclusive to us 
✅ Great Incentives – We have an exceptional referral scheme. Recommend your friends and colleagues and earn an introduction fee of £250. We will pay you £250 if you find your own role
✅ State of the Art Compliance – We use powerful next-generation software to manage these critical processes are as quick, efficient, and stress-free as possible.
✅ Fast, Reliable Payroll – Get paid promptly and securely, every time.
And much more to ensure your job-search is smooth and hassle-free.
 
Our Roles
 
We place Social Care Practitioners into a wide range of essential roles, including:

• Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
• Best Interest Assessor (BIA)
• Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
• Looked After Children (LAC)
• Fostering / Adoption
• Children’s & Adult Social Work
• Service Manager / Head of Service
• Team Manager / Assistant Team Manager
• Occupational Therapist

 
If you’re interested in finding your next role in social care, we can help!
 
📩 Get in Touch Today!
📧 kaye.fleming@pprsocialcare.co.uk
📞 07435 787 863 / 0161 804 7658
 
Take the next step in your social work career with us!