Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Officer (IRO) – Independent Reviewing Team

Job Description

Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Officer (IRO) – Independent Reviewing Team
Specialism: Children’s Services
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, UK
Salary: Competitive Hourly Rate (Replace with the agreed rate if provided)
Type: Temporary / Full Time

We are seeking an experienced Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join the Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Service based in Stoke-on-Trent. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner with a strong background as an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and Child Protection Chair. Working within a restorative practice model, you will play a key role in promoting positive outcomes for children by providing independent oversight, quality assurance, and effective multi-agency collaboration.

Perks and Benefits

• Join one of the UK’s friendliest cities with a supportive and collaborative working culture.
• Work within a well-established restorative practice model embedded across Children’s Services.
• Strong leadership and management support with regular supervision and professional development.
• Opportunities to become a practice champion in specialist areas.
• Access to newly developed Family Hubs delivering a wide range of early help services.
• Free parking through a critical user parking permit.
• Regular team meetings, peer reviews, learning sessions, and service development opportunities.
• Compact locality-based working, reducing travel time between visits.

What You Will Do

• Chair statutory Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Children Reviews.
• Provide independent oversight of care planning to ensure children receive high-quality services and positive outcomes.
• Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of care plans, ensuring statutory requirements are met.
• Challenge practice appropriately where improvements are required to safeguard children.
• Work closely with social workers, managers, and partner agencies to promote effective multi-agency working.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare high-quality reports within statutory timescales.
• Contribute to continuous service improvement through quality assurance and reflective practice.

Why Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent offers an excellent working environment with a strong focus on collaboration, restorative practice, and professional development. With supportive leadership, excellent early help services, and locality-based working, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families.

Working with Ardent Social

At Ardent Social, we are committed to connecting experienced social care professionals with outstanding opportunities across the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering a professional, transparent, and supportive recruitment experience tailored to your career goals.

Apply today to join the Independent Safeguarding & Reviewing Service in Stoke-on-Trent and help improve outcomes for children and young people.