Independent Reviewing Officer

Position: Independent Reviewing Officer
Team: Looked After Children
Pay Rate: £40 per hour (Umbrella)
Location: Yorkshire
Working Pattern: Hybrid – minimum of 3 days office-based

Sheldon Phillips are working with a Local Authority in Yorkshire who are seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer to join their Looked After Children service on a temporary basis until the end of December. This role is focused exclusively on Looked After Children and does not include chairing child protection conferences.

What You Can Expect:

  • Supportive and established team with strong leadership
  • Flexible working pattern with hybrid arrangements
  • Opportunity to contribute to service improvement and quality assurance within the LAC service

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Chair Looked After Children (LAC) reviews in line with statutory requirements
  • Monitor care plans to ensure they meet the needs and best interests of the child
  • Challenge and escalate concerns where drift or delay is identified
  • Work collaboratively with social workers, managers, and external partners to ensure effective care planning
  • Provide professional oversight and contribute to continuous service development
  • Ensure compliance with statutory duties and the IRO Handbook

Requirements:

  • SWE Registration
  • Social Work qualification
  • Minimum of 3 years’ post-qualified experience within a local authority
  • Substantial experience working with Looked After Children and families
  • Proven ability to chair complex meetings and manage multi-agency dynamics
  • In-depth understanding of Care Planning Regulations and the statutory duties of an IRO
     

If you’re an experienced practitioner looking to take on a short-term role with a strong focus on improving outcomes for Looked After Children, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com.