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- Tasks: Lead reviews for looked-after children, ensuring their needs are met and care plans are effective.
- Company: Join Gloucestershire County Council, dedicated to improving children's services and supporting families.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive environment with career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a progressive and inclusive team.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work qualification and 5 years' experience in children's social work.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare is essential.
The predicted salary is between 42700 - 44000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an Independent Reviewing Officer to join the Reviewing Service Team on a part-time basis.
Reward and support
For all your hard work, you will receive the following:
- Between £52,413 – £54,495 per annum subject to experience
- £5,000 welcome payment* (pro rata for part-time staff)
- £2,000 retention payment* (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Up to £8,000 relocation package**
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Family friendly policies and benefits to help support you and your family
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone
- An in-house Occupational Health service
- Employee discount scheme
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) and the Young Employees Network
- Career development and qualification opportunities
- Access to our Social Work Academy
- Cycle to Work scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)
- Green Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme (eligibility criteria and t&cs apply)
*Please note that all our welcome and retention payments are subject to terms and conditions as well as tax and national insurance deductions
*Please note that our relocation policy is subject to terms and conditions
Right child, right support, right time, every time
In our recent inspection in June 2025, our Children’s Services have been officially judged as ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ elements. Ofsted also said ‘Leaders have set out a clear vision for delivering success for children, by modelling values and creating a culture where the workforce, children and families feel valued and heard; risk is managed confidently with bottom lines clearly set out.’
This marks an important step in our journey to improve outcomes for our children and young people, and we remain focused on our mission: to continue building on this success and ensure that every child and young person in our county has the opportunity to thrive.
Gloucestershire offers a range of opportunities to develop your career, supported by a phenomenal Social Work Academy offer, a developing systemic practice methodology, an ambitious leadership team and an award-winning workforce.
We are a local authority adopting, and training all colleagues in, systemic social work practice. If you would like to be part of an authority that takes a relational approach to working with families and focuses on what needs to change in the system around a child and family to enable children to thrive, then consider a role with GCC.
About the team
You will be joining a stable team of lively, hardworking IRO. We know that to be effective we must hold the child at the centre of all we do and not shy away from the difficult conversations that may be necessary to bring about best outcomes for children. We seek as a service to fulfil our statutory responsibilities with a relational and systemic approach to practice recognising that respect, collaboration and authentic relationships facilitate opportunities for better outcomes for children. We have a culture of shared responsibility and shared learning. We value the expertise of each member of the service which collectively provides a rich environment for further strengthening and development of the service. We encourage reflective supervision at all levels and we will be able to offer you protected time to ensure it takes place on a regular basis.
About the role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join our Reviewing Service and champion the needs of children in the care of Gloucestershire.
You will
- chair statutory reviews for children in care in line with IRO Regulations and national guidance
- ensure that reviews are timely, child-centred, and delivered to a high professional standard; monitor the progress and quality of Care Plans, actively addressing any drift or delay
- provide robust challenge and escalate concerns to senior management and CAFCASS as needed; ensure the meaningful involvement of children, young people, families, and carers
- collaborate with professionals across agencies and support improvements to practice; promote equality and consider the individual needs of each child, including factors such as race, disability, religion, and identity
About you
You will have:
- Social Work England registration and a recognised Social Work qualification (e.g. DipSW, CQSW)
- at least 5 years post-qualifying experience in children’s social work, including child protection and care proceedings
- experience in management and/or supervision within a children\’s social work team; experience chairing complex meetings and managing conflict; strong understanding of legislation, permanence planning, safeguarding, and quality assurance; excellent communication, critical thinking, and record-keeping skills; experience with quality assurance systems
- a full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
How to apply
To apply, please visit our website via the button below.
Interviews will be in person 27 February 2026. Please note that this will be the only day for interviews.
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Independent Reviewing Officer employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the IRO Regulations and national guidance. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to child-centred practice.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Independent Reviewing Officers. They can provide insights into the role and the specific challenges faced, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in chairing complex meetings and managing conflict. Think of specific examples where you successfully navigated these situations, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Gloucestershire County Council's recent improvements and initiatives in children's services. Being knowledgeable about their progress will show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Independent Reviewing Officer. Familiarise yourself with the job description and the specific requirements outlined by Gloucestershire County Council.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in children's social work, particularly focusing on your post-qualifying experience, chairing complex meetings, and any specific achievements that align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for supporting looked-after children. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate how you meet the criteria set out in the job description.
Prepare for References: Identify suitable referees who can vouch for your professional experience and character. Ensure one is your current or last employer and the other is from a previous role, covering the last three years of your employment or education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the responsibilities of an Independent Reviewing Officer. Familiarise yourself with IRO Regulations and national guidance, as well as the specific needs of looked-after children in Gloucestershire.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations related to child protection and care proceedings. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully chaired complex meetings or managed conflicts, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an IRO, excellent communication is key. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and listen actively. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure meaningful involvement of children, young people, families, and carers in the review process.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Be ready to discuss your understanding of legislation, permanence planning, and how you would address any concerns that arise during reviews.
