Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

Job Introduction

Package Description

Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as it’s geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.

We are fully committed to equal opportunities, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

About the Role

The role purpose is to provide independent monitoring and scrutiny of the care plans for children in care, ensuring appropriate and timely decision-making, the timely progression of plans and the provision of high-quality care.

IROs work with children, families, social workers and other partners to achieve the best outcomes for children in care, bringing challenge and support to the work of social workers, managers and partners as required to raise the standard of care planning for all children in care.

The role requires quality assurance and, when required, appropriate challenge of the work of the Trust and other agencies to drive improvements in practice.

The role also seeks to manage social work resources efficiently and effectively, prioritising need and working cooperatively within the Trust.

Our strategic vision and values https://www.bradfordcft.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-values/ are upheld across the Trust, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care.

Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.

You’ll also:

• To ensure each Child in Care review takes place in accordance with statutory timescales, regulations, guidance and departmental procedures; this will include reviewing short break arrangements for children with disabilities and / or complex needs.
• To support and challenge practitioners and managers within the council and external agencies to ensure the effectiveness of the review and care planning process to ensure that there is no drift or delay in achieving permanence for all children in care in Bradford.
• To produce timely outcome-focused recommendations and reports after each review which clearly set out how the care plan is being implemented, the actions that are required to meet the child’s needs and achieve the care plan, ensuring that timescales specified are being adhered to.
• To ensure that all reviews are child-focused and inclusive to promote best outcomes; representing the voice of the child in reviews even if children or young people do not attend. This includes access to representation and advocacy services.
• To ensure that children and young people are made aware of complaints procedures and how to access support if they are not happy with the service they are receiving.

To be successful in this role you will need:

• To have experience and a practical understanding of assessment and appropriate planning in relation to children and families.
• To have the ability to plan, prioritise and manage a workload while maintaining a high standard of quality and working under time constraints
• Representing and acting as an advocate for children and young people, demonstrating negotiation skills to ensure required outcomes are met.
• Providing supervision and or guidance especially around effectively managing risks to children.
• Extensive experience of working with children in situations where safeguarding is an issue.
• Recognised Social Work Qualification
• Registered with Social Work England

You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, offering a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance, including:

• Generous annual leave - 31 days rising to 34 with service, plus bank holidays
• Excellent Local Government pension
• Family-friendly policies and enhanced parental leave
• Health & wellbeing support, including Occupational Health and counselling
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• we are a National Living Wage employer

For full details of our benefits, please see the attached ‘Our Benefits’ brochure.

Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.

For an informal Discussion about the role please contact:

Sally Cradock Service Manager on sally.cradock@bradfordcft.org.uk or 07890 418360

Imran Cheema Team Manager on imran.cheema@bradfordcft.org.uk or 07359186826

Chris Reeves Team Manager on chris.reeves@bradfordcft.org.uk or 07582101887

Closing Date: 18th October 2026

Interviews: 26th October 2026

There will also be a Children’s Panel most likely w.c 26th October 2026