Ofsted reports are often critical of how effectively independent reviewing officers (IROs) scrutinise child protection plans and care plans for looked-after children. How can I help our IROs be more effective?
Colin Green: IROs play a vital role in providing independent oversight of child protection conferences and care planning for looked-after children through chairing looked-after children reviews.
For them to perform their role effectively, IROs, social workers, team managers and their leaders and senior managers all need to understand the statutory IRO role and related guidance.
IRO caseloads need to be at a level that enables them to do their job effectively. They need to be seen to have parity of esteem with team managers and senior social workers and this will usually mean a comparable salary. Their independence needs to be reflected in their line management arrangements so they either report to an assistant director or director of children's services (DCS).
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