Summary: The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) role at Tameside Council is crucial for safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children in care. The position involves leading statutory reviews, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and advocating for the best interests of looked after children. The IRO will manage a caseload, conduct quality assurance audits, and collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance care planning and outcomes. This role requires significant experience in children's social care and a strong commitment to child advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Chairing Cared-for Reviews: Facilitate and lead statutory reviews for looked after children, ensuring their care plans meet their needs and comply with legal requirements.
• Quality Assurance & Auditing: Conduct practice impact reviews (audits) to assess the effectiveness of care planning, social work interventions, and multi-agency working.
• Child-focused Case Oversight: Undertake regular IRO visits to children and young people to ensure their voices are heard, and complete midpoint reviews to track progress.
• Caseload Management: Initially take on a caseload of approximately 60 children/young people, with plans to increase to around 85 over time.
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: Work closely with social workers, carers, families, and partner agencies to ensure children’s plans are effective and comply with statutory guidance.
• Challenge and Escalation: Challenge poor practice, escalate concerns, and advocate for improved outcomes for children in care.

Key Skills:

• Substantial experience as a Team Manager in Children’s Social Care and/or previous experience as an IRO.
• Expert knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance related to looked after children (Children Act 1989, IRO Handbook, Care Planning Regulations).
• Exceptional organisational and workload management skills to restructure and stabilise an inherited caseload.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills to ensure children’s voices are central to decision making.
• Ability to work independently and exercise professional judgment when reviewing and challenging care planning decisions.

Salary (Rate): £40.00

City: Manchester

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: on-site

IR35 Status: outside IR35

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry: Other