Independent Reviewing Team

Independent Reviewing Officers are responsible for:

• ensuring that each child in care has a comprehensive Care Plan that addresses their health, education, leisure activities, living arrangements, and their relationships with their family members.
• reviewing meetings, known as Child in Care Reviews, where the child’s Care Plan is discussed and updated. These reviews provide a collaborative space for evaluating the child’s progress, identifying emerging needs and ensuring that the Care Plan remains responsive to the child’s evolving circumstances.
• ensure that children’s views and wishes are actively heard and considered in the decision-making process, always advocating for their best interests.
• monitor the implementation of the Care Plan to ensure that the local authority fulfils its responsibilities as a ‘corporate parent’, ensuring the child’s needs are consistently met.
• they operate independently from the child’s social worker and do not have direct management responsibility or budgetary control
• review process adhere to legal requirements. They are empowered to escalate concerns if the child’s welfare is not being effectively safeguarded or promoted.

The Business Support Team facilitates this process by ensuring reviews are scheduled efficiently and outcomes and minutes are sent to children in a timely manner.

Where we are based

The main office for the reviewing service is Shire Hall, Block 5, First Floor and serves as the central hub.

Independent Reviewing Officers work flexibly from the main office, locality offices across the county and from home. They travel nationwide to meet children and young people where they reside.

The Business Support Team operates from the main office and remotely.

Who we are

The Independent Reviewing Service is made up of 1 Service Manager, 1 Senior Independent Reviewing Officer and 14 Independent Reviewing Officers, 8 of which are full time. The service is supported by our Business Support Team, which has 6 members of staff.

Skills you'll need

Independent Reviewing Officers are experienced social workers with a background in management, equipped with a range of essential skills, including;

• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Independent Reviewing Officers manage complex and sensitive cases, consistently making decisions that prioritise the best interests of the child.
• Child-Centred Reviews: Conducting reviews with a focus on the child’s needs, experiences and perspectives is fundamental to the role.
• Negotiation Skills: Independent Reviewing Officers are skilled in negotiating with the different professionals and family members in a child’s life to achieve positive outcomes for the child.
• Effective Communication: Building and maintaining strong relationships, while communicating effectively with children, families, and professionals, is key to ensuring effective interventions.
• Critical Thinking: Independent Reviewing Officers assess complex information, making evidence-based decisions that reflect a thorough understanding of each unique situation.
• Supportive Guidance: As a ‘critical friend’ to social workers, Independent Reviewing Officers provide guidance and ensure that the welfare of children is safeguarded throughout the process
• Knowledge of Legislation: A solid understanding of child protection legislation, policies, and best practice guidelines is crucial for ensuring compliance and advocating for the child’s rights.

 Why you should join us

Joining this team offers a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals committed to systemic practice and ensuring the best outcomes for children and families. As an Independent Reviewing Office (IRO), you will have the chance to develop and apply a diverse range of skills, from decision-making and problem-solving to negotiation and effective communication.

This team encourages a collaborative environment where critical thinking and evidence-based decisions drive impactful change.

You will be supported in your role through reflective supervision, where you act as a ‘critical friend’ to social workers, all while continuously learning and adapting to best practices. With a strong focus on child-centred reviews and a comprehensive understanding of legislation, this team ensures that every child’s voice is heard, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.

Feedback from children, family members and professionals about the impact of Independent Reviewing Officers in children’s lives:

“(IRO) has been such a positive person in (child’s) life and (child) really hopes that (IRO) can attend her 18th birthday meal”

 “(IRO) has been very supportive in ensuring I (Mum) attended reviews and listened to me, she also respected the boys wishes about their involvement with their review”.

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you to (IRO) who the team have shared was a huge support…(IRO) was able to share the wealth of knowledge he has about (child) with the team which helped inform planning massively after a very difficult situation arose with (child). Positively we are now working with Dad to support next steps which will hopefully avoid further instability for him at this worrying time. Thanks again – your help and calm way was and is very appreciated by us”

Get in touch

We'd love to tell you more!

✉ Email: CSWrecruitment@gloucestershire.gov.uk