Independent Reviewing Officer

Location: Hackney Central

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

Full-time - 36 hours per week

£45.20 per hour (Umbrella)

London Borough of Hackney are 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.

About the role

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

What we're looking for

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

Why join Hackney?

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

Interested?

For more information or to apply, please contact:

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