Job Title: Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Location: North West
Department: Fostering
Responsible To: Registered Manager
JOB SUMMARY
Independent Reviewing Officer
Job Summary
To contribute to the provision of a high-quality fostering service by ensuring that every Foster Cares Ltd foster carer’s suitability to foster and terms of approval are reviewed at least once annually, as required by the Fostering Regulations.
Independent Reviewing Officers chair foster carer reviews and produce high quality reports for Foster Cares Ltd on a self-employed basis. As part of the preparation for a review, they also conduct audits of the agency files to ensure a high standard of recording is maintained. Individuals will have the necessary social work and management skills and experience to undertake this task, to contribute to the maintenance of quality standards within the Agency.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Chair foster carer reviews at least once annually as required by the Fostering Regulations, following an agenda agreed by Foster Cares Ltd.
To chair and minute foster carer annual reviews, ensuring that all information provided is shared and discussed.
To highlight areas of good practice or commendations, alongside areas of development for both the foster carer and Agency. Provide participants with a clear summary of the meeting, recommendations, and action points.
To rigorously review foster carers’ capability to meet the needs of children in foster care, incorporating their wishes and feelings, as well as feedback from other professionals.
To confirm all relevant checks are up to date, and Health and Safety and Safe Care policies are current and implemented.
Foster carers are fulfilling the Agency expectations in relation to training, recording, Training, Support, and Development Standards, and the Foster Care Agreement.
To prepare high quality review reports with clear recommendations to the Agency regarding the carer(s) and household’s suitability to foster, evidencing the reasoning behind the recommendations made.
Complete electronic audits of carers and children files as part of review process
Meet and work within the Agency deadlines and timescales to ensure the efficient running of the service.
Provide analytical reports to the Agency regarding social work practice, themes, and trends.
Attend meetings with Registered Manager in order to contribute to Agency developments.
To respect confidentiality and to adhere to the Agency’s confidentiality policy.
To prepare for and cooperate with internal audits and regulatory inspections by Ofsted.
Communication & Relationship
Develop positive relationships within the agency, in order to promote and implement the review process.
Show ability to use systemic ideas and challenge foster carers in a way that enhances the capacity to reflect and create change in practice and relationships with children in their care.
Safeguarding Children and Young People
· To safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and protect them from risk of harm. To uphold the Agency’s responsibility to ensure safe and appropriate policies, working practices, and systems for all staff working with children and young people.
· To comply with Foster Cares Ltd Safeguarding Policy and promote the safeguarding of children throughout their work.
· To take appropriate and timely action to communicate any concerns about foster carers that may call into question their suitability for the role/ability to safeguard children.
· To undertake mandatory safeguarding training in relation to their work with children and young people.
Confidentiality
·To safeguard the confidentiality of information relating to carers, children and young people at all times in accordance with Agency policies and procedures.
Health & Safety
To comply with Health and Safety regulations and guidance in the course of employment.
Data Protection
To comply with the Agency’s policies and Data Protection Act in all aspects, with particular reference to the protection and use of personal data relating to carers and children and young people.
To ensure all data is recorded clearly, accurately, timely, up to date, and in a non-discriminatory manner.
Equality & Diversity
To comply with the Agency’s Equality and Diversity policy and be able to demonstrate their commitment to the policy in all aspects of their work.
To actively promote equality of opportunity and an anti-discriminatory service
Ethos and Values
To subscribe to the ethos and ethical values upheld by Foster Cares Ltd and demonstrate those values in own everyday work.
Additional Expectations
The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Registration with Social Work England.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re passionate about supporting foster carers and improving the lives of children, we’d love to hear from you. Please complete the applcation form on our website www.fostercares.co.uk and return it to [email protected].
Closing date 13.09.26
Job Type: Part-time
Experience:
- social work: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Social Work England (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Warrington WA3 6AE
