Safeguarding & Review Manager; Independent Reviewing Officer

About The Role

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 of 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.

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.

You will be responsible for overseeing the care planning and review process for children looked after by Herefordshire Council. You will chair statutory Child Looked After Reviews and Adoption Reviews to provide independent oversight to ensure plans are child‑focused, outcome‑driven and delivered to a high standard. You will be a visible leader within Children’s Services, promoting excellence in practice, challenging delay and drift, and ensuring that children receive the support, protection and opportunities they deserve.

• 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.

• Starting salary of…