Independent Reviewing Officer

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

Hackney, London

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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