That the Independent Reviewing Officer Annual Report 2022-23 as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved to enable the Independent Reviewing Officer Annual Report 2022-23 to be published in accordance with the legislative requirements.

To ensure that the Council upholds its responsibility as Corporate Parents and complies with legislation.

There were no alternative options considered.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 30 October 2023 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The IRO Annual Report sets out an overview of the activity of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service, the staffing structure, developments within the service and the key improvement objectives for the service moving forward.

The Annual Report highlighted the enhanced stability of the service and how this had contributed to continued progress and development. In particular, there was significant evidence on continued improvement in terms of achieving permanence for cared for children, with a high number of cared for children leaving care as a result of adoption or becoming subject to a Special Guardianship Order in 2022-23.

At the meeting, Councillor Bye proposed and Councillor Billings seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

None.