Dispute Resolution and Practice Alert Process

Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) and Independent Conference Chairs have a key responsibility/ duty to resolve problems arising out of - Care Planning or Child Protection processes.

It is also important as part of their quality assurance roles for Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) and Independent Conference Chairs to highlight good practice.

The Practice Alert Process Flowchart should be followed for informal and formal resolution processes and highlighting areas of good practice.

The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO), using the guidance from the Independent Reviewing Officers Handbook, chapter 6, is able to escalate any emergent dispute regarding a child's Care Plan through the existing management structure. The IRO can enter into the dispute resolution process at any point in time where concerns arise regarding a child's Care Plan.