We are introducing a dual role that strengthens our independent oversight and quality assurance across the fostering service. The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) will chair fostering annual reviews and ensure that foster carers receive high-quality, strengths-based feedback with the child’s voice at the centre. The role provides an objective layer of scrutiny, supports best practice, and identifies themes that contribute to service improvement.
Alongside this, the Fostering Panel Advisor element ensures our Regional Fostering Panels continue to operate to a high standard. The post holder will quality-assure all panel reports, offer professional advice to the panel, and support panel members through training, development, and reflective learning. They will work closely with regional teams to ensure recommendations are actioned and learning from panel activity feeds directly into practice.
This role strengthens our commitment to:
- child-centred, trauma-informed practice
- consistent and high-quality reviews
- robust and transparent panel decision-making
- continuous improvement across Compass
The post holder will work collaboratively with regional management, Heads of Fostering, and social work teams to ensure we maintain the highest standards of care and support for our children, young people and foster carers.
IROs perform a vital function in the safeguarding, quality assurance and regulatory compliance of our fostering operations. Alongside completing formal review meetings of foster parents' suitability to be re-approved as foster carers, IROs will contribute to foster panel advice.
Most review activity will be held virtually, with occasional need to attend Compass offices regionally and nationally as required by the role. Some work outside of usual business hours will be required as part of this role.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications & Registration
- Social Work qualification (BA, MA or equivalent).
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
- Desirable: Training in chairing, quality assurance, or practice education.
Experience
Essential
- Significant post-qualifying experience within fostering, children’s social care or safeguarding.
- Experience chairing complex meetings or reviews.
- Strong understanding of the regulatory framework for fostering (Fostering Services Regulations, NMS).
- Experience of quality assuring assessments, reports or care planning.
- Experience working directly with foster carers and multi-agency professionals.
Desirable
- Previous experience as a panel advisor, panel member or review chair.
- Experience contributing to service improvement or thematic audits.
- Experience supporting or mentoring practitioners.
Knowledge & Understanding
- Thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation, fostering regulations, and best practice guidance.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and the needs of looked-after children.
- Awareness of diversity, equality, and cultural competency within fostering practice.
- Understanding of the role of independent oversight in improving outcomes.
Skills
- Excellent chairing and facilitation skills, able to manage differing viewpoints constructively.
- High-quality analytical and report-writing abilities.
- Strong professional curiosity and confidence in offering independent challenge.
- Ability to synthesise information and reach evidence-based decisions.
- Excellent communication skills with adults, children and professionals.
- Ability to work autonomously, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines.
- Strong relationship-building skills while maintaining independence.
Personal Attributes
- Calm, confident and professional presence.
- Demonstrates integrity, fairness and transparency.
- Reflective, emotionally intelligent and child-centred.
- Committed to Compass values and to continuous improvement.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Resilient, solution-focused and adaptable.
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