Independent Reviewing Officer (iro) in Shropshire, Shropshire

Job Title: Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Specialism: Social Worker – Children’s Services
Location: Shropshire, UK
Salary: £38.00 per hour
Type: Ongoing (Part Time or Full Time)

Perks and benefits

• Competitive Hourly Pay: Earn £38.00 per hour, recognising the senior accountability and importance of the IRO role.
• Part Time / Full Time Options: Choose a working pattern that suits your lifestyle while maintaining high standards of oversight.
• Professional Development: Access continued training and development opportunities to enhance expertise in care planning and quality assurance.
• Collaborative Working Environment: Work closely with social work teams, managers, and partner agencies across Children’s Services.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from the flexibility of locum work while delivering meaningful, impactful outcomes for children.

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer to support children and young people in Shropshire by ensuring robust care planning, accountability, and adherence to statutory guidance.

What you will do

• Chair statutory reviews for children in care, ensuring compliance with legislation and the IRO Handbook.
• Monitor the effectiveness and progression of care plans, challenging drift and delay where necessary.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, team managers, and senior leaders to support timely and effective decision‑making.
• Quality assure practice and outcomes, reporting concerns and contributing to service improvements.
• Ensure the child’s voice, wishes, and feelings are central to all reviews and planning decisions.
• Liaise with children, families, carers, and service providers to ensure needs are understood and addressed.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately to protect children’s welfare.

Requirements

Essential:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Significant experience within Children’s Social Care, particularly with looked‑after children.
• Strong knowledge of statutory guidance, safeguarding, and care planning processes.
• Ability to challenge practice appropriately and advocate effectively for children.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working as an Independent Reviewing Officer.
• Experience contributing to quality assurance or service improvement activity.

Why Shropshire

Shropshire offers an outstanding quality of life alongside rewarding professional opportunities. Known for its beautiful countryside, historic towns, and strong community values, the area provides a calm and inspiring environment to live and work. With a committed Children’s Services workforce and a focus on improving outcomes for children, Shropshire is an excellent place to continue your social work career while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is a trusted and award‑winning recruitment agency with an ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating from over 1,000 reviews. We are dedicated to securing the best possible rates and matching professionals with roles that align with their skills, experience, and career ambitions.

Apply now to join the Independent Reviewing Officer team in Shropshire and take the next step in your career with Sanctuary Personnel.