Independent Reviewing Officer

Job Introduction

Hours: Part time, 18.5 hours per week

We are looking for an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families in Solihull.

About the Role

We really value the role that Independent Reviewing Officer's play here in Solihull, so we are looking for the best people for this important job.

Your main focus will be to assure the quality of care planning and review for every child – making sure his or her wishes and feelings are fully considered.

Our Children told us that their number one criteria is someone who listens to what they have to say, and makes sure that reviews are focused on them, in a way that best works for them. Our Children also want someone who invests in a relationship with them; someone who really cares and explains why decisions are made. They want you to make sure their plans are followed through in the time that's set and that you make sure they understand their plans.

As part of a team of Independent Reviewing Officers, you will share responsibilities for chairing Child Protection Conferences, carrying out Statutory Reviews of children who are Looked After and managing MAACE proceedings.

Our managers will value your ability to contribute significantly to quality assurance measures. We will look to you to promote service improvements and you will have a crucial role in ensuring that practice standards are maintained for children and young people.

About You

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to demonstrate:

• A professional Social Work qualification, post qualifying training in child protection
• and registration with Social Work England.
• At least 5 years post-qualifying experience (statutory requirement) of working in a Social Care setting, including working with children who are looked after, the subject of child protection plans and MAACE proceedings.
• A sound knowledge and understanding of relevant childcare legislation, statutory guidance, and 'the IRO handbook'
• Experience of working collaboratively with other services
• Experience of chairing multi-agency meetings.

In return, you will be part of a team where your contribution will be really valued, and where you have the opportunity to shape and improve services.

We also offer:

• Competitive Salaries
• Local government pension - 6.8% (subject to annual review/change) section contribution.
• Generous annual leave - 25 days rising to 30 days after five years service and the opportunity to buy up to 10 days additional leave per year (pro rata).
• Flexible working – including hybrid working.
• Professional development - High quality year-round training and coaching and in house academic programs (Practice Education Award) via our Children's Social Care Academy (in partnership with Bournemouth University)
• Clear career pathways through to Senior Social Worker, specialist roles and leadership and management.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 access to independent, free and confidential support and advice
• Family and carer friendly policies
• Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme

Contact Us

For more information, or to apply, please click on the link below.

If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact Naseema Ahmad, Operations Manager (Safeguards & Quality Assurance) on or email

Closing date: 9 November 2025

The closing date for applications for redeployees is 22 October 2025.

Interviews will be held on 19 and 20 November 2025.

About Us

Here in Solihull, we place children and young people at the heart of all we do to enable them to achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives.

We are ambitious in building a stronger Solihull for our children, families and workforce in Solihull. Connecting Families is Solihull Children's Services' practice framework.

At its core, Connecting Families demonstrates the beliefs, values and principles of restorative practice and gives us a consistent relationship-based way of practicing to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.

We believe that families and their connected networks are of primary importance in improving outcomes for children. Children and their family networks are experts in their own lives; they have strengths which they should be empowered to build and draw on through effective family decision making.

Further Information

This post will require an enhanced DBS check.

This is an essential car user post as the demands of the job make it operationally essential and there is a contractual requirement to make a suitable vehicle available to ensure the requirements of the job can be carried out effectively.

Applicants must be able to drive, have a driving licence and be a car owner, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.