Independent Reviewing Officer – Quality Assurance Team

Specialism / Department: Children’s Social Care – Quality Assurance / IRO
Location: Barnsley, UK
Salary / Pay Rate: £40 per hour
Contract Type: Locum / Ongoing
Working Pattern: Part-Time / Full-Time

Role Overview

An exciting locum opportunity has arisen for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join the Quality Assurance Team within Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Children’s Services. This ongoing role offers an excellent hourly rate of £40 and flexible working options, making it suitable for professionals seeking both impact and balance.

As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring high‑quality care planning for looked after children. You will be responsible for providing independent oversight, maintaining statutory compliance, and ensuring that children’s voices remain central to all planning and decision‑making processes. This role is key to driving quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across children’s social care.

Perks and Benefits

• Competitive Hourly Pay: £40 per hour, rewarding your expertise and responsibility.
• Flexible Working: Choose part‑time or full‑time hours to suit your lifestyle.
• Meaningful Impact: Directly influence safeguarding standards and outcomes for looked after children.
• Supportive Environment: Work within a collaborative team that values innovation and reflective practice.
• Professional Development: Access ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.

Key Responsibilities / What You Will Do

• Chair statutory Looked After Children (LAC) reviews in line with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor the quality, implementation, and progress of care plans to ensure they remain child‑centred.
• Utilise the IRO dispute resolution process to escalate concerns and challenge drift or poor practice.
• Ensure children’s wishes and feelings are captured, heard, and reflected in all planning.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, carers, managers, and partner agencies to improve outcomes.
• Contribute to the Quality Assurance framework, identifying themes, learning, and service improvements.
• Maintain compliance with legislation including the Children Act 1989, Care Planning Regulations, and related statutory guidance.
• Provide professional challenge to ensure high standards of social work practice and inspection readiness.

Requirements / Candidate Criteria

Essential

• Qualified Social Worker with recognised Social Work qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post‑qualification experience within children’s social care.
• Proven experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer or in a senior safeguarding role.
• Strong knowledge of LAC legislation, care planning regulations, and quality assurance processes.
• Confidence in providing professional challenge and independent oversight.

Desirable

• Experience working within quality assurance, audit, or inspection preparation roles.
• Background within a local authority IRO or safeguarding service.

Why Barnsley

Situated in the heart of South Yorkshire, Barnsley offers a fantastic mix of vibrant town living, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful countryside. With a strong sense of community, affordable living, and excellent transport links to surrounding cities, Barnsley provides an excellent quality of life. It’s an ideal location for professionals seeking meaningful work while enjoying balance, accessibility, and a welcoming environment.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is a trusted, award‑winning recruitment agency with an Excellent Trustpilot rating supported by over 1,000 reviews. They specialise in securing high‑quality locum opportunities that align with your experience and career goals. With Sanctuary, you can expect dedicated consultant support, competitive pay rates, and a smooth, professional recruitment journey from start to finish.