Childrens IRO – Professional Standards & Quality Assurance – #OR101358

Job Description

Are you an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer looking for your next meaningful role in children’s services? Bexley Council’s Professional Standards & Quality Assurance / Safeguarding Service is seeking a skilled IRO to champion the voices of looked-after children across the London Borough of Bexley.

Based at the Civic Offices in Bexleyheath, you will hold a named caseload of looked-after children, chairing statutory Looked After Reviews in accordance with the IRO Handbook Regulations (2010) and ensuring that each child’s wishes and feelings remain central to care planning. You will monitor care plans, complete timely written records, meet children privately prior to and during reviews, and observe placements to assess suitability.

Key responsibilities include constructively challenging actions and interventions that fail to deliver required outcomes; contributing to themed audits and quality assurance activity; providing professional advice and consultation to internal and external colleagues in health and education; supporting permanency, resource, and 16-plus panel decision-making; and assisting the Service Manager in identifying trends and contributing to the Service Improvement Plan.

The successful candidate will be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England, with substantial post-qualifying experience in children’s services and a strong working knowledge of looked-after children legislation, the IRO Handbook, and safeguarding frameworks. Prior IRO or Conference Chair experience is highly desirable.

This is a locum opportunity paying £29.83–£40.62 per hour, starting 11 May 2026. If you are ready to make a lasting difference to children in Bexley, apply today.

What’s on offer:

* Excellent, competitive pay rates – paid weekly
* Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders
* A desirable location with great transport links
* A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment

Why join Semester.co.uk?

* Free ongoing CPD and training opportunities to enhance your skills
* Competitive rates of pay with prompt, reliable payments through our in-house payroll
* Enhanced DBS processing included
* Dedicated, friendly consultant offering tailored support
* Access to a wide range of opportunities in your chosen location

Ready to take the next step? Click ‘Apply’ now to express your interest in this role, or explore other exciting opportunities with Semester.co.uk.