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- Tasks: Conduct annual reviews of foster carers and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: First for Fostering, dedicated to providing high-quality fostering services.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time consultancy role with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and best practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of foster families and children.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience in management or supervisory roles.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Director and Responsible Individual at First for Fostering
First for Fostering is looking to recruit a Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer to carry out Foster Carer Reviews. The Independent Reviewing Officer is to contribute to the provision of a high‑quality fostering service by ensuring that every foster carer’s suitability to foster and terms of approval are reviewed at least once annually as required by the Fostering Regulations 2011.
This role is on a consultancy basis. The IRO will be responsible for conducting reviews of foster carers, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations, providing guidance and support to foster carers, and liaising with various stakeholders. The IRO will be expected to maintain accurate records of reviews and meetings.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To chair foster carer reviews at least once annually as required by the Fostering Regulations 2011 following an agenda agreed by the senior management team of First for Fostering.
- To chair reviews brought forward as a consequence of Standard of Care Meetings.
- To ensure that the views of foster carers, all children within the foster family, and those of relevant stakeholders including social workers, are considered and analysed within each annual review meeting.
- To ensure that all required regulatory and agency checks and balances are current and raise no concerns.
- To highlight areas of good practice, compliments, and achievements alongside highlighting any areas that require future development for either the foster carer or the agency.
- To validate that foster carers are maintaining up to date training and professional development as expected by First for Fostering and are contributing to foster care support groups; to challenge when this is not evident.
- To establish that foster carers are maintaining legible and informative written records that are child‑focused.
- To provide detailed minutes to the agency that are of a high quality, evidence‑challenge when appropriate, and are completed within the timescales expected by First for Fostering.
- Recommendations about suitability and terms of approval will be based on sound evidence and rationale.
Qualifications and Experience
- Social Work Qualified
- Evidence of ongoing professional development and training
- Experience of some management/supervisory responsibilities
- Experience chairing complex meetings
- Experience of working with autonomy and independence
- Experience of risk management
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Part‑time
Industries
Individual and Family Services
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Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) employer: First for Fostering
Contact Detail:
First for Fostering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of fostering regulations and best practices. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or even in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past work with foster carers and any relevant training you've completed. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of an Independent Reviewing Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to chair complex meetings and manage foster carer reviews. We want to see how you've made a difference in similar roles!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your main points stand out. This will help us see your strengths quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at First for Fostering
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Fostering Regulations 2011 and any relevant policies. This will not only show your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance, which is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Complex Meetings
Since you'll be chairing reviews, practice how to lead discussions effectively. Think about potential scenarios you might face and how to handle differing opinions from stakeholders. This will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your past experiences in social work, particularly any management or supervisory roles. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed complex situations or led teams, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Child-Focused Practices
Make sure to convey your understanding of child-focused practices in fostering. Discuss how you ensure that the needs and views of children are prioritised in your reviews, as this aligns with the core values of First for Fostering.