Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

About the role

Oxfordshire County Council is looking for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join a dedicated service that supports Looked After Children. The role is field‑based, allowing you to work directly with children, carers and partner agencies across the county while driving high‑quality care planning and safeguarding outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Chair statutory Looked After Child (LAC) reviews to ensure robust care planning.
• Monitor, review and challenge care plans, escalating where standards are not met.
• Guarantee the child’s voice is central to all decisions.
• Collaborate with social workers, carers and external agencies.
• Contribute to service quality improvement and practice standards.
• Attend face‑to‑face reviews at children’s placements throughout Oxfordshire.
• Participate in a weekly in‑person team meeting rotating across council sites.

Required profile

• Qualified and experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO).
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Management or senior practitioner level experience.
• Strong understanding of Looked After Children processes.
• Proven ability in audit, quality assurance and constructive challenge.
• Capability to work independently across a geographically diverse area.

Required skills

What we offer

• Join a forward‑thinking authority committed to excellent outcomes for children.
• Supportive, collaborative IRO service that values professional independence.
• High‑impact role where decisions directly influence care planning and safeguarding.
• Flexible, field‑based working with mileage expenses reimbursed.
• Contract position responding to increased caseload and staffing gaps.