Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer (FIRO)

We are seeking an experienced and confident social worker to take on the statutory role of Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer (FIRO). This is a pivotal position providing independent oversight, scrutiny and challenge to ensure children in care have high‑quality, safe and stable living arrangements.

You will chair statutory annual reviews and maintain oversight of foster carers and kinship carers performance and development, ensuring regulatory standards are met. You will work closely with supervising social workers, children’s social care teams, fostering panel, and multi‑agency partners to promote best practice and secure positive outcomes for children.

This role offers the opportunity to influence practice, strengthen safeguarding, and support foster and kinship carers with fairness, clarity and professional curiosity. If you’re looking to bring your fostering and safeguarding expertise to a role with real impact, we would welcome your application.

Please refer to the Job Description attached for more information.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Julie Campbell, Service Manager, Practice Learning Review, on 0203 045 3346 or [email protected]. 

Candidate Profile

For the full list of essential and desirable criteria for this role then please refer to the Person Specification within the Job Description attached.

Please upload your personal statement under the Relevant Experience and Skills section and ensure this fully aligns to the role criteria. This should not be more than two sides of A4. 

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Bexley is a vibrant and diverse outer London Borough nestled in the Thames Gateway between London and Kent which means it combines the perfect blend of city vibe and the tranquillity of Kent. It's got award-winning parks, open spaces, and heritage sites. The borough has excellent transport connections, including the Elizabeth Line and proximity to the M25. Bexley offers fantastic amenities such as libraries, leisure centres, and shopping areas. Our borough is also home to numerous primary and secondary schools, as well as further education institutions.