Oxfordshire County Council

Independent Reviewing Officer

The closing date is 11 January 2026

Job summary

Weve transformed the way we help our Independent Reviewing Officers get the best outcomes possible for every child and family we work with. We do this through manageable caseloads, great management support, reflective supervision, continual professional development in a learning environment, and unwavering focus on your wellbeing, so that you can always bring your best self to the children you support.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for two Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) who have relevant experience at management level and can support the delivery of a high-quality services to ensure the best outcomes for Oxfordshire Children. The post available is for a generic IRO supporting the full range of Children We Care For. Its a really exciting time to join us!

About us

As part of our team, you will: Focus on successful outcomes for families using a relational, strengths-based approach. Use motivational interviewing to engage and support children and families Be supported with individual supervision to promote your wellbeing and professional development. Hold a manageable caseload as directed by the IRO handbook to ensure that you have the time you need to spend with the children and families you are working with. Have opportunities to continue to learn while you work, by undertaking training, webinars, practice learning events and reflective sessions.

Details

Date posted

22 December 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£59,008 to £62,422 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VP9B641AD2

Job locations

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Job description

Job responsibilities

About Us

Working together to help Children, young people, and families to thrive.

Join Oxfordshire County Council on an exciting journey towards Delivering the Future Together, our ambitious transformation programme which will enable us to be an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. Were seeking the right people who can help us get there while embracing our value of daring to do it differently, as we continue to strive to do better.

In our Children, Education, & Families Directorate, we do our very best to help children, young people, and families to thrive. We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.

Weve been consistently rated as good by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better! Oxfordshire County Council is a financially stable local authority which is committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with.

About the Role

Weve transformed the way we help our Independent Reviewing Officers get the best outcomes possible for every child and family we work with. We do this through manageable caseloads, great management support, reflective supervision, continual professional development in a learning environment, and unwavering focus on your wellbeing, so that you can always bring your best self to the children you support.

We are looking for two Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) who have relevant experience at management level and can support the delivery of a high-quality services to ensure the best outcomes for Oxfordshire Children. The post available is for a generic IRO supporting the full range of Children We Care For.Its a really exciting time to join us!

As part of our team, you will:

  • Focus on successful outcomes for families using a relational, strengths-based approach.
  • Use motivational interviewing to engage and support children and families
  • Be supported with individual supervision to promote your wellbeing and professional development.
  • Hold a manageable caseload as directed by the IRO handbook to ensure that you have the time you need to spend with the children and families you are working with.
  • Have opportunities to continue to learn while you work, by undertaking training, webinars, practice learning events and reflective sessions.

About you

  • We would like to hear from you if you are
  • Kind and caring, with an understanding of and respect for individuals qualities, abilities, and diverse backgrounds.
  • Advocating for equality and integrity in all you do.
  • Always learning, with a passion to grow and develop your skills.
  • Willing totake responsibilityand contribute to the delivery of Oxfordshire County Councils vision.
  • Driven to do it differently to embark on a journey of continuous improvement.

Rewards and benefits

  • Competitive salary from£59,008 - £62,422
  • Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
  • A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
  • Flexible working.
  • Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support24 x7.
  • Range of family friendly policies.
  • Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities.
  • Explore more here

Ourcommitmentto:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.

Ourcommitmentto:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are alsocommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Ourcommitmentto:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Ourcommitmentto:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: Stuart Jones on 07549 223574 stuart.jones2@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Job description

Job responsibilities

About Us

Working together to help Children, young people, and families to thrive.

Join Oxfordshire County Council on an exciting journey towards Delivering the Future Together, our ambitious transformation programme which will enable us to be an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. Were seeking the right people who can help us get there while embracing our value of daring to do it differently, as we continue to strive to do better.

In our Children, Education, & Families Directorate, we do our very best to help children, young people, and families to thrive. We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.

Weve been consistently rated as good by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better! Oxfordshire County Council is a financially stable local authority which is committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with.

About the Role

Weve transformed the way we help our Independent Reviewing Officers get the best outcomes possible for every child and family we work with. We do this through manageable caseloads, great management support, reflective supervision, continual professional development in a learning environment, and unwavering focus on your wellbeing, so that you can always bring your best self to the children you support.

We are looking for two Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) who have relevant experience at management level and can support the delivery of a high-quality services to ensure the best outcomes for Oxfordshire Children. The post available is for a generic IRO supporting the full range of Children We Care For.Its a really exciting time to join us!

As part of our team, you will:

  • Focus on successful outcomes for families using a relational, strengths-based approach.
  • Use motivational interviewing to engage and support children and families
  • Be supported with individual supervision to promote your wellbeing and professional development.
  • Hold a manageable caseload as directed by the IRO handbook to ensure that you have the time you need to spend with the children and families you are working with.
  • Have opportunities to continue to learn while you work, by undertaking training, webinars, practice learning events and reflective sessions.

About you

  • We would like to hear from you if you are
  • Kind and caring, with an understanding of and respect for individuals qualities, abilities, and diverse backgrounds.
  • Advocating for equality and integrity in all you do.
  • Always learning, with a passion to grow and develop your skills.
  • Willing totake responsibilityand contribute to the delivery of Oxfordshire County Councils vision.
  • Driven to do it differently to embark on a journey of continuous improvement.

Rewards and benefits

  • Competitive salary from£59,008 - £62,422
  • Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
  • A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
  • Flexible working.
  • Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support24 x7.
  • Range of family friendly policies.
  • Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities.
  • Explore more here

Ourcommitmentto:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.

Ourcommitmentto:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are alsocommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Ourcommitmentto:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Ourcommitmentto:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: Stuart Jones on 07549 223574 stuart.jones2@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above
Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruiter

Stuart Jones

Stuart.Jones2@Oxfordshire.gov.uk

01865816000

Details

Date posted

22 December 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£59,008 to £62,422 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VP9B641AD2

Job locations

Oxford

OX1 1ND


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