Only high risk in the view of the sw

or their manager doesn’t work for children

But they don’t even do the basics in my authority.

Yes

I agree with some of this Anita. I have long believed that Directors roles could go without a major impact on quality of service. Heads of Service could run the department just as efficiently between them having, as they do, that closer relationship with workers on the ground and the decision making which goes with the role. I can’t agree that ‘layers’ of management could be lost and it shouldn’t be a choice between more front line workers and managers – now that WOULD be all about savings. But fewer layers certainly.

I totally agree a ludicrous comment in my experience

Well said!

I thought the same! Have attended many SAO reviews and not yet known an IRO to have made the time prior to the review to visit the child, yet alone get to know them. This attitude is perhaps the problem, we continue to dismiss the role of hardworking, conscientious SW’s – no the wonder they’re looking to get rid of this role.

I agree with this , especially as I have basn in both roles during my social work career . I know that there can be tensions between the social worker and the IRO at times but do think the IRO role is an important one , not least because they ensure that the child stays at the forefront of decision making . As a child’s social worker , IROs have on occasion helped me challenge senior management decisions and that support has been invaluable

You all have views on the role of an IRO, but yet do not appear to understand the role of an IRO!!!
The role of the IRO is to independently review the care plans for children. This is a vital role in ensuring the childs needs are met. Whilst IROs consult with children, the role of an advocate is their voice. Yes the IRO will promote the childs wishes and feelings, earlier posts her suggest IROs are advocates!!!
Without IROs, not all children would get the services they need, in addition its the role of the IRO to quality assure a case, so that a child has for example a care plan and is being regularly seen, you be suprised how many LAs think they can get away with not ensuring statutory requirements are undertaken.
Hearing that the role of an IRO has taken experience workers off front line is somewhat hilarious. IROs have to be experienced to the level of a team manager, which is why in most authority’s they are effective!!!!

Lets face it, LA dont like the IRO service, as they expose poor pracrice. Of course directors are going to vote to get rid, this is so they dont have to deal with all the complaints IRO raise, wont have to deal with the case being reported to CAFCASS for not following care plans.