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- Tasks: Lead vital reviews and meetings to ensure children's needs are met in care plans.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council, a dedicated team focused on safeguarding children.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, manageable caseloads, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with 5+ years of experience in childcare.
- Other info: Positions available from August and November 2025; driving required for job duties.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 44000 £ per year.
Independent Reviewing Officer l Safeguarding, Inspection & Audit Team l Preston l Full Time Join to apply for the Independent Reviewing Officer l Safeguarding, Inspection & Audit Team l Preston l Full Time role at Lancashire County Council Independent Reviewing Officer l Safeguarding, Inspection & Audit Team l Preston l Full Time 1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Independent Reviewing Officer l Safeguarding, Inspection & Audit Team l Preston l Full Time role at Lancashire County Council Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Job Description Salary 44711.00 – 49764.00 per annum l Permanent l Full Time, 37 hours per week l Safeguarding, Inspection & Audit l Children\’s Social Care Job Description Salary 44711.00 – 49764.00 per annum l Permanent l Full Time, 37 hours per week l Safeguarding, Inspection & Audit l Children\’s Social Care International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) within Lancashire hold a specialist role which stands alone in the Local Authority and has a high degree of autonomy and independence. IROs must be a qualified Social Worker with at least 5 years post qualifying experience, including recent statutory childcare fieldwork experience. IROs are responsible for chairing statutory Looked After Children\’s Reviews, Child Protection Conferences and Specialist Safeguarding Meetings, with the primary task of ensuring that the care plan or child protection plan fully reflects the child or young person\’s needs and challenging deficits / practice issues where they arise. An opportunity has arisen for 2x fulltime permanent IRO positions covering Central Lancashire; one post to commence from 18 th August 2025 and the other post from 3 rd November 2025. IROs are based in a specific locality and caseloads have been significantly lowered to a manageable level in line with the IRO handbook. This enables IROs to get to know the children and young people on their caseload and form good working relationships with staff and other professionals. Contact for Informal Discussion: Caroline Cowan caroline.cowan@lancashire.gov.uk or Amanda Mansfield amanda.mansfield@lancashire.gov.uk Please take care to upload any supporting documentation such as a supporting statement or curriculum vitae before submitting your application. No additional documentation will be accepted after the closing date. You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability. You must be registered (SWE) to be appointed as a Social Worker or have applied to register with the Social Care Council. The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a \’disclosure\’. Further information can be found on the \’Our Recruitment Process\’ tab. In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications. In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications. Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Other Industries Government Administration Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Lancashire County Council by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Officer” roles. 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Independent Reviewing Officer l Safeguarding, Inspection & Audit Team l Preston l Full Time employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
caroline.cowan@lancashire.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer l Safeguarding, Inspection & Audit Team l Preston l Full Time
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of an Independent Reviewing Officer. Understanding the nuances of chairing statutory reviews and safeguarding meetings will help you demonstrate your expertise during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former IROs in the field. Engaging with professionals who have experience in this role can provide you with valuable insights and tips that could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in children's social care. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can show your commitment to the role and your ability to adapt to evolving standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in interviews. Think through how you would handle various situations that may arise in safeguarding and child protection, as this will showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer l Safeguarding, Inspection & Audit Team l Preston l Full Time
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 key tasks such as chairing statutory reviews and ensuring care plans meet children's needs.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in social work, particularly any statutory childcare fieldwork. Emphasise your qualifications and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to fulfil the role's requirements.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Use your supporting statement to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Discuss your experience, skills, and how they align with the job description. Be sure to address the importance of safeguarding and child welfare.
Check Documentation Requirements: Ensure you have all necessary documents ready for submission, including your CV and supporting statement. Remember, no additional documentation will be accepted after the closing date, so double-check everything before you hit submit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Showcase Your Experience
As an Independent Reviewing Officer, your experience is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your five years of post-qualifying experience in social work, particularly in statutory childcare. Highlight specific cases where you successfully chaired reviews or addressed practice issues.
✨Understand the Role's Autonomy
This position offers a high degree of autonomy. Make sure to express your understanding of this independence and how it influences your decision-making process. Share examples of how you've effectively worked independently in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Safeguarding
Since the role focuses on safeguarding, be ready to discuss current safeguarding practices and legislation. Show that you are up-to-date with relevant policies and can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, caseload management, and support available for IROs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
