Independent Reviewing Officer

Together for Children Sunderland (TFC), currently rated Outstanding by Ofsted, has an opportunity for a suitably experienced registered Social Worker to join the Children's Independent Reviewing Team (CIRT).

We are looking for a new team member to fill a full time post as an Independent Review Officer/ Conference Chairperson (IRO/CC). The role will involve chairing child protection conferences and reviewing cared for plans for children in care.

The successful candidates will make an important contribution to improving outcomes for children cared for and for those children subject of child protection plans within the City of Sunderland.

TFC is a strength-based organisation which continues to embed Signs of Safety, Signs of Success and Signs of Well-being across all areas of service and therefore experience of working within this model of practise would be desirable. The successful candidate will assist in the ongoing development of the service via the undertaking of themed audits and will help with the delivery of training, as and when required, to social worker's and partner agencies.

Candidates should possess a social work qualification and be able to demonstrate extensive experience of childcare practice. Post-qualifications and evidence of work at a managerial level. Candidates would need to have a thorough understanding of the legal framework underpinning childcare practice. As an IRO/CC you would also need to feel confident in providing a level of professional scrutiny and working collaboratively with children, families and professionals to ensure that children have appropriate plans to prevent delay and drift in key decision's being made for them. The intended start date would be subject to satisfactory clearances being received.

This post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a DBS check from the Disclosure and barring Service.

Together for Children is committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse local communities that we support across Sunderland. We're striving to build an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued and diversity is celebrated by everyone.

As part of this commitment, we work collaboratively with our established employee networks:

• Accessibility Network


• LGBTQ+ Network


• Racial Equality Network


We welcome and encourage job applications from candidates regardless of their age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race, and background.

As well as an attractive and competitive salary, other benefits of working for Together for Children include agile working arrangements, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and a flexi-time scheme. A comprehensive health and wellbeing programme is also on offer to all employees

Supporting documents
JDPS.pdf (226.31 KB)
Valuing ALL TfC statement of our intent to follow Equality and Diversity principles.pdf (49.47 KB)
TfC Behavioural Framework.pdf (920.86 KB)
TfC Employee Financial Wellbeing and Support.pdf (264.02 KB)
WORK FOR TFC INFOGRAPHIC.pdf (569.84 KB)