Together We Are Stronger 2016. 2018. 2022. Three formal attempts to scrap the Independent Reviewing Officer role in six years. First, the Children and Social Work Bill included an exemption clause letting councils opt out of IRO duties. Parliament rejected it. Then the Narey/Owers Fostering Stocktake found little to recommend the IRO role and said…
NAIRO’s Chair has written to Josh MacAlister, Minister of State for Children and Families You can read the full letter here: Letter to Minister of State for Children and Families – Josh MacAlister
This case involved a child and a local authority care plan proposing placement outside his family. The Court of Appeal reviewed concerns about whether all options were fairly considered. Importantly, the judgment did not mention that the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) disagreed with the local authority’s plan. The IRO believed the child could be placed…
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: Our Position NAIRO has written to The Lord Watson of Invergowrie in support of his proposed amendment to insert Remedial Orders for Children in Care after Clause 9 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. In our letter, we stated: *”NAIRO has for a long time been concerned about the…
NAIRO is pleased to launch a new training session: The Role of the IRO. This interactive session offers essential insights and practical tools to support and strengthen your practice as an Independent Reviewing Officer. Upcoming Training Dates: Book through Eventbrite using the links below: 5 June 2025 – Book Here 4 September 2025 – Book…
The Government has published its expected Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. We are looking at it in detail and will be commenting as necessary. NAIRO Trustee Sean Hayes has reviewed the Bill and noted that it does not include mention of the IRO service. We see this as a positive sign that the government is not seeking…
We have written to Janey Daby, the New Children’s Minister congratulating her on her appointment and we have invited her to speak at our conference on 14 November. We have also asked to meet with her and her department to ensure that the interests of IROs and children in public care are to the fore as the…