Quick Exit
St Helens Safeguarding Children Partnership logo
Click here to open SAB website

If you suspect a child is at risk of harm, please call The Contact Centre on 01744676767

Meet the Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO’s) & Conference Chairs

Since 2004 all local authorities have been required to appoint Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) to protect children’s interests throughout the care planning process. 

Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) were introduced to represent the interests of looked after children (LAC) following a number of cases where care plans had not been implemented, leading to harm. Their role was strengthened through the introduction of statutory guidance in April 2011 

One of the most important aspects of the IROs' role is to meaningfully engage with children and to remain child-centred in everything they do. Building a relationship with children is seen as crucial in making sure the child’s needs are met and being able to ‘fight their corner.’ 

The independence of the IRO is essential to enable him/her to effectively challenge poor practice. 

All Child Protection Conferences are chaired by an Independent Child Protection Conference Chair.  This means they are independent of the child or young person's case and are not involved in the day today management of social work staff.  It is the Chair's job to ensure that the conference is conducted in the best interest of the child or young person. 

 

The team of Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO's) & Conference Chairs consists of 13 highly qualified Safeguarding Managers. They are: 

  • Carla Middleton - IRO and CP Chair Manager
  • David Pope - IRO 
  • Jackie Dykes - IRO 
  • Mary-Lou Pemberton - IRO 
  • Sharon Parr - IRO 
  • Angela Warmsley - IRO 
  • Joy Baines - IRO 
  • Cursty Searle- IRO 
  • David Singleton - IRO 
  • Fiona Anderson - LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer)  
  • Mandy Philps - Conference Chair  
  • Debra Shannon - Conference Chair  
  • Joanne Unsworth - Conference Chair 
  • Emma Mclean - Conference Chair  

 

Multi-Agency Report Template for Initial Child Protection Case Conference

Multi-Agency Report for Review Conference/Core Group/CIN Report/Strategy Meeting

Comments

Have your say...

Comments are closed for this article