Independent Reviewing Officer

**IRO/ Conference Chair**

**Full time / permanent**

**Grade L** **£48,226 - £51,356 plus 5% recruitment and retention.**

**At Gateshead, our vision is that all children and families, regardless of their background, are at the heart of everything we do - ensuring all children can thrive and meet their full potential.

Our plans for 2025 reflect this vision and ambition

We are currently looking for an Independent Reviewing Officer/Conference Chair. This is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday. Whilst there can be some flexible working arrangements, the expectation will be that you can be office based, chairing meetings face to face.

The successful applicant must be a qualified social worker and registered with Social Work England. They must be able to operate at a supervisory management level with significant experience of social work in child protection and with children in our care.

**As an IRO**: working in adherence to the IRO Handbook Care Planning and Review Regulations, Children Act and all other legislation impacting upon children in our care, fostering and adoption and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
- Overseeing and scrutinising care planning for children in our care from the commencement of their journey in our care.
- Forming relationships with those children for whom you have oversight and ensuring that their views underpin and inform assessments and plans.
- Chairing children in our care reviews
- Ensuring close communication with colleagues in the wider service and partner agencies.
- Holding agencies to account for their role in corporate parenting for a child and ensuring the very best outcomes are achieved.
- Raising challenges where required and demonstrating the impact of these challenges.
- Ensuring records of your activity are thorough, up to date and accessible, forming part of an account for a child of their journey in our care.
- Contribute to development and high standards of social work practice across the wider service.
- To have and to use an up to date understanding of relationship based and trauma informed practice.

**As a Conference Chair**:

- Act in accordance with Working Together and the policies and procedures set out by Gateshead Safeguarding Partnership.
- To chair child protection conferences with authority, skill, knowledge, compassion and collaboration with partner agencies and with children and families.
- To ensure that the plans made to protect children are robust, timely, realistic and clear.
- To oversee and scrutinise the progress of child protection planning between child protection conferences.
- To hold all agencies to account in their role of safeguarding children and escalate issues when this is required.
- To produce clear records of your activity within the IT systems we us in Gateshead.
- To have and to use up to date understanding of issues such as domestic abuse, in your practice.

**Join Gateshead Council - Where People Make the Difference**

At Gateshead Council, we believe that “The strength of Gateshead is the people of Gateshead.” In challenging times, we stand together—supporting our communities, championing families, and putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do.

We’re proud to be rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and we’re on an ambitious journey to become ‘Outstanding’. If you’re passionate about making a real difference and want to be part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and innovative team—this is your opportunity.

**Why Work With Us?**
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days (plus 2 fixed), rising to 30 days after 5 years. You can also buy up to 10 extra days
- Career Development: Access to excellent training and progression opportunities.
- Smart Travel Options: Great public transport links, discounted travel passes, Co-wheels car club, and Cycle to Work scheme.
- Pension Security: Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Exclusive Perks: Enjoy a wide range of staff discounts through our employee portal.

**A Place for Everyone**

We celebrate diversity, culture, and heritage, and we’re committed to reducing inequalities. Gateshead is a place where everyone should feel welcome, included, and empowered to thrive.

**What to Expect**

During the selection process, you’ll be assessed against the essential criteria outlined in the job profile. If successful, you’ll be required to complete an enhanced disclosure.

**Discover More**

Discover more about careers in children’s social work at Gateshead Council: Careers in Children's Social Work