Safeguarding & Review Manager; Independent Reviewing Officer

About The Role

Safeguarding & Review Manager (Independent Reviewing Officer)

Contract: Permanent

Location: Hereford and nationwide. With flexible and hybrid working opportunities

Hours: 37

Salary: HC11 £ 51,356 - £55,915 (plus market supplement of £5,000 per year)

Welcome payment: £10,000 (see attached guidance)

Relocation package: up to £10,000 available

Closing date: 29/07/2026

Interview date: 03/08/2026

“Delivering
Good
quality services through
Outstanding
Leadership” Ofsted

Make a Difference for Children in Herefordshire

Are you an experienced social work professional with a passion for championing children's rights, driving high-quality practice, and achieving the very best outcomes for children in care?

Herefordshire Council is seeking an exceptional Safeguarding & Review Manager (Independent Reviewing Officer) to join our Safeguarding and Reviewing Service. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring children’s voices remain at the heart of decision‑making while providing robust oversight, challenge and quality assurance across the care planning system.

Working within a supportive and ambitious service, you will provide independent scrutiny of care plans, chair statutory reviews, and work collaboratively with children, families, carers, social workers and multi‑agency partners to secure permanence, stability and positive outcomes for children and young people.

To arrange an informal discussion, or ask any questions about the role, please contact Recruitm

• Chair statutory Child Looked After Reviews and Adoption Reviews to ensure compliance with legislation, regulations and statutory guidance.
• Ensure children have clear, ambitious and achievable plans that promote safety, stability and permanence.
• Provide independent oversight and scrutiny of care planning and service delivery.
• Monitor progress against agreed actions and challenge where plans are not progressing effectively.
• Ensure children's wishes, feelings and lived experiences inform all decision-making.
• Work in partnership with children, families, carers and professionals to improve outcomes.
• Identify practice strengths and areas for development through quality assurance activity.
• Escalate concerns where children’s needs are not being met or where service delivery falls below expected standards.
• Contribute to service improvement, practice development and organisational learning.

We are seeking an experienced, child‑focused social work professional who can demonstrate strong leadership, professional curiosity and excellent analytical skills.

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Significant experience within Children’s Social Care.
• Experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) or Team Manager within Children’s Services.
• Extensive knowledge of the IRO Handbook, Working Together to Safeguard Children, Child Protection Procedures, Relevant childcare legislation and statutory guidance.
• Strong understanding of child development, attachment, separation and loss.
• Knowledge of Human Rights and Equality legislation.
• Experience of working effectively within multi‑agency safeguarding environments.
• Proven ability to challenge practice constructively and influence positive change.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel both in and outside of County.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence in managing complex and sensitive discussions.
• The ability to influence professionals at all levels.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent chairing and facilitation abilities.
• Outstanding report writing and analytical skills.
• The ability to capture and represent children’s views effectively.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• A commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

• Competitive salary.
• Holiday entitlement and access to contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
• Starting salary of HC11 £ 51,356- £55,915 (plus market supplement of £5,000 per year).
• Relocation package support of up to £10,000.
• £10,000 welcome payment for experienced…