Independent Reviewing Officer

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

Full-time - 36 hours per week

£45.20 per hour (Umbrella)

London Borough of Hackney is recruiting for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) within their Children's Safeguarding & Quality Assurance Service. This is a key role where you will act as an independent, authoritative professional, ensuring that children's voices are central and that care planning prioritises their safety, wellbeing, and long-term outcomes.

As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you will:

• Chair Looked After Child Reviews and Foster Carer Annual Reviews, ensuring all meetings are child-centred and effective
• Hold the Local Authority to account, ensuring high‑quality care planning and decision‑making for children
• Provide independent scrutiny of safeguarding practice, challenging where necessary to drive improvement
• Monitor care and permanence plans, ensuring timely progression and positive outcomes
• Escalate concerns appropriately, including to senior leadership and external bodies where required
• Promote systemic, trauma-informed, and anti‑racist practice across services
• Work closely with multi‑agency partners to ensure coordinated and effective support for children and families

To be considered, you will have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification and current Social Work England registration
• At least 5 years post‑qualifying experience, including management‑level experience
• Strong experience within Looked After Children and statutory review processes
• In‑depth knowledge of key legislation including the Children Act 1989 and IRO statutory guidance
• Proven ability to challenge practice and influence senior stakeholders
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and decision‑making skills
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and equality is essential

• Work within a forward‑thinking, values‑driven service committed to improving outcomes for children
• Be part of an authority championing anti‑racist and trauma‑informed practice
• Opportunity to influence service development and quality assurance across Children's Services
• Collaborative, multi‑agency working environment