Job Introduction
The Service
The Children & Families Service Quality Team provide support, scrutiny and oversight for our children on Child Protection Plans and the Children we Care for. The Service consists of Child Protection Advisors, Independent Reviewing Officers and Independent Visitors.
The Role of the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
The Independent Reviewing Officer is a key role in quality assuring the care planning process and interventions for children. The role offers independent oversight and monitoring of children and young people's plans and interventions, to ensure there is high quality, timely and effective multi agency work being undertaken that will address need and achieve positive outcomes. The IRO should be confident to provide constructive professional feedback to promote good practice and to ensure that children's care plans are progressed with pace.
They adhere to the guidance outlined in the IRO Handbook. There is a requirement that children are consulted prior to their review. Children are encouraged to participate fully and even chair their review where possible.
The IRO has an essential role in advocating for children and young people, escalating concerns and challenging on their behalf. They use restorative practice to work in a positive way with children, families and carers to ensure that they are able to fully contribute to the development of the Care Planning.
The ideal candidate
You will need to have/be
- A registered social worker and have substantial post qualifying experience of statutory child care social work - this should include some management experience. Previous IRO experience would be advantageous
- The skills and ability to develop relationships with children and young people and promote their engagement and participation in their meetings. Be able to identify, challenge and escalate issues that hinder the progression of children's plans.
- Experienced in chairing multiagency meetings that are inclusive of children, young people and family members and are managed effectively.
- Able to write concise and good quality reports in a timely manner, edit minutes and record decisions on the electronic recording system. Relevant training and development opportunities will be available. We write a letter to each child following reviews and you will need to be able to write to children in a manner that is sensitive and appropriate to their age and understanding.
- Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills as you will be planning, organising, and managing your workload in a busy, complex environment with specific deadlines and requirements.
- Be flexible in your hours of work and available to travel within the City and further afield, as there will be some travel to locations throughout the UK for reviews. Some overnight stays may be required for this. Full driving licence will be required.
Please see the Job profile for the full details and expectations of this role
Additional information:
If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please call Jenny Brennan, Service Leader for SQT, on 02392 606432
Interview date - 3rd June 2025
Application process
We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered.
As part of your application we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
About Portsmouth City Council
What we can offer you:
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616800
