The Assistant Director of Children, Families and Education introduced the report. Since March 2010 there was a requirement that the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) service within each local authority produce an Annual Report of activity, with regards to children looked after (CLA). The purpose of the IRO Annual Report, which was attached at appendix 1 was to evaluate the extent to which Wirral Council has fulfilled its responsibilities to its Children Looked After for the period 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023. This report provided an overview to the Children Young People and Education Committee for scrutiny and comment.

Officers explained that IROs are registered with Social Work England, and must evidence and demonstrate their continued development. Should an IRO require improvement there are processes in place to review and recover performance.

On a motion by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Chris Carubia, it was,

Resolved – That

1. The information contained in the IRO Annual Report attached at appendix 1 be reviewed and scrutinised.

2. The publication of the Independent Reviewing Service Annual Report be approved.