Sefton Council is seeking an experienced Team Manager Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join the Safeguarding Unit.

You will be part of a Good Local Authority delivering a key role planning and reviewing Cared for Children. This is a permanent role and you will be responsible for managing a team of IROs. The post is based at Madelen House, Bootle, Sefton.

There is free on-site parking and a minimum of at least 3 days per week required on site.

This role is exclusively for Management of IROs—not a Child Protection Officer—and involves independently reviewing Looked After Children Reviews, Secure Accommodation Reviews, Child Sexual Exploitation meetings, and Missing from Care meetings in line with statutory guidance along with participating in other meetings/panels.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage IROs who Chair and review statutory meetings for Looked After Children

Ensure compliance with legislation and regulatory frameworks

Promote best outcomes through robust care planning and challenge where necessary

Maintain accurate records and contribute to service improvement

Improve and report on performance in respect of cared for Children

You should have experience of Managing a team, improving performance.

Minimum 3 years permanent post-qualification experience (must be clearly marked on CV)

In-depth knowledge of Looked After Children legislation and statutory processes

Registered with Social Work England

Professional qualification in Social Work (Diploma, BA/BSc/MA, CQSW)

Interview date: 5th November 2025

Equal Opportunities

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

GUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.