The IRO Service is currently seeking to appoint an experienced Service Manager to coordinate the work of the IRO Service on an interim basis until April 2020.

As a Service Manager for the Independent Reviewing Officer team you will be responsible for a team of experienced officers who are working to ensure that those children who are Looked After by Newham are receiving an exceptional service from their corporate parent and reaching their potential. Our IROs manage the formal review process for Children Looked After and confirm that departmental and government timescales are met. In addition, as part of improving outcomes for older children and young adults, IROs remain involved once a child becomes a care leaver.

You will be accountable for the performance of your team and we have high expectations, but you will also have real autonomy to make the changes you see fit. A creative problem-solver, your can-do approach and commitment to quality will inspire your team to achieve excellence.

The ideal candidate will possess highly developed specialist knowledge of social work practice in children's services and has extensive experience leading and managing teams.

Responsibilities of the role include:

1. To act as lead manager for the IRO Service ensuring IRO representation for all statutory LAC reviews for children in care in line with the IRO Handbook.

2. Monitor, audit and review the timeliness, quality and effectiveness of the IRO provision including supporting visibility of IROs through the recruitment and management of permanent staff complement, using management information to measure performance against service and council performance indicators.

3. Promote the full participation of children and their families in the children in care processes and are fully informed of their rights to make representations, offer compliments and receive advocacy services.

4. Be involved in resolving disputes with regard to contested care planning decisions and report concerns to senior managers, the Strategic Director for Children's Services or the Chief Executive for the Council should disputes remain unresolved. Report unresolved disputes regarding care planning decisions to CAFCASS for resolution within the Family Court

5. Ensure high quality practice which is sensitive to the needs of children in the care of the local authority through the development and delivery of both in house and inter-agency learning and development activities.

6. Contribute and offer advice to the work of and prepare reports for inter-agency and multi-agency forums and Safeguarding Children Board and sub groups and Corporate Parenting Board/elected members.

7. Make sure diversity and equality of opportunity is valued and promoted.

8. Deputise for the Head of Quality Assurance as and when required

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance.