Independent Reviewing Officer

JOB-20240819-db742659

Job Title

Independent Reviewing Officer

Specialism

Social Worker – Children

Location

Wiltshire, UK

Salary

£42.00 per hour

Type

Ongoing, Part Time / Full Time

Independent Reviewing Officer within Children's Services in Wiltshire, earning £42.00 per hour. This ongoing locum opportunity offers both part-time and full-time flexibility, providing an excellent chance for an experienced social work professional to join Wiltshire Council's Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service. In this influential role, you will play a key part in ensuring children in care receive high-quality, child-centred services that promote safety, stability, permanence, and positive life outcomes.

Perks and benefits

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Part Time / Full Time

Choose a working pattern that supports your lifestyle and work-life balance.

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Hourly Pay

Earn a competitive rate of £42.00 per hour, rewarding your expertise and professional judgement.

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Flexible Locum Working

Enjoy the variety and freedom that locum work offers while broadening your experience.

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Professional Development

Enhance your safeguarding, quality assurance, and leadership skills within a specialist service.

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Networking Opportunities

Collaborate with professionals across social care, health, education, fostering, and partner agencies.

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Meaningful Impact

Influence care planning and decision-making to improve outcomes for children and young people.

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Supportive Environment

Work within a dedicated service focused on best practice, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.

What you will do

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Chair Reviews

Independently chair statutory reviews for children in care in accordance with the Children Act 1989, the IRO Handbook, and relevant legislation.

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Monitor Care Planning

Oversee and scrutinise the quality and effectiveness of care planning and decision-making processes.

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Promote Children's Voice

Ensure children's wishes, feelings, and views are heard, respected, and central to decision-making.

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Challenge Practice

Identify delays, poor practice, or decisions that are not in the child's best interests, escalating concerns where appropriate.

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Track Progress

Monitor the implementation of care plans and ensure agreed actions are completed within required timescales.

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Multi-Agency Working

Work collaboratively with social workers, managers, foster carers, residential providers, health professionals, education services, and partner organisations.

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Quality Assurance

Contribute to service improvement by identifying trends, themes, and areas for development.

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Permanence Planning

Support plans for reunification, long-term fostering, special guardianship, and adoption where appropriate.

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Record Keeping

Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and timely records of reviews, recommendations, and decisions.

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Promote Inclusion

Champion equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice across all areas of service delivery.

Qualifications / Requirements

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Social Work Qualification

Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent recognised qualification.

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Registration

Current Social Work England registration.

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Experience

Significant post-qualification experience working with children and families within statutory Children's Social Care.

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Safeguarding Knowledge

Strong understanding of legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding frameworks relating to looked after children.

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Chairing Experience

Experience chairing complex meetings, reviews, conferences, or multi-agency discussions.

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Analytical Skills

Excellent assessment, analysis, and decision-making abilities.

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Professional Challenge

Ability to challenge practice constructively while maintaining positive professional relationships.

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Communication Skills

Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.

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IT Skills

Competent in electronic case management systems and digital record-keeping.

Desirable Requirements

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IRO Experience

Previous experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer or within a Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service.

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Leadership Qualifications

Practice Educator, management, leadership, or equivalent professional qualification.

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Practice Knowledge

Understanding of restorative and relationship-based practice models.

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Complex Case Experience

Experience working with children subject to complex safeguarding concerns, permanence planning, or court proceedings.

Why Wiltshire

Wiltshire offers an exceptional quality of life, combining beautiful countryside, historic market towns, and thriving local communities. Home to world-renowned landmarks, excellent outdoor spaces, and a rich cultural heritage, the county provides a welcoming environment for both professional development and personal wellbeing. Whether enjoying rural landscapes, exploring historic sites, or becoming part of a close-knit community, Wiltshire is a fantastic place to live and work.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is a trusted and award-winning agency for roles. With an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot from over 1,000 reviews and many prestigious industry awards, we are dedicated to finding you the best possible rates in roles that match your skills and experience.

Apply now

Take the next step in your social work career and join Wiltshire Council's Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service as an Independent Reviewing Officer with Sanctuary Personnel.