Child in Need (CIN) Reviewing Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited | Contract

Child in Need (CIN) Reviewing Officer

Lambeth, United Kingdom | Posted on 09/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Child in Need (CIN) Reviewing Officer – 3-Month Contract

Location: 6 Brixton Hill, London, Lambeth, SW2 1RW

Contract: 3-Month Contract

Hours: Full-Time

HCPC Registration: Required

DBS: Enhanced DBS Required

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Child in Need Reviewing Officer to join our Family Support and Child Protection Service for a 3-month contract. This pivotal role involves providing independent oversight and evaluation of Child in Need (CIN) plans, ensuring they are child-centered, outcome-oriented, and effective in safeguarding children under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. The ideal candidate will have prior experience as a Service Manager within Family Support and Child Protection (FSCP) Safeguarding Services.

Responsibilities

Child in Need Reviews

• Lead Child in Need review meetings in accordance with statutory guidelines and local protocols.
• Ensure the child's voice, desires, and experiences are central to all planning and decisions.
• Assess the effectiveness of Child in Need plans and track progress towards outcomes.
• Determine if interventions are effectively reducing risks and enhancing outcomes.
• Facilitate inclusive review meetings with all relevant professionals, parents, carers, and children.

Quality Assurance & Practice Oversight

• Offer independent evaluation of Child in Need plans and assessments.
• Identify and address any delays or inadequate planning.
• Escalate safeguarding issues when risks are not managed effectively.
• Advocate for evidence-based practices and adherence to legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in service improvement through audits and quality assurance activities.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Oversee safeguarding concerns and ensure timely actions are taken.
• Identify cases that need escalation to Child Protection procedures or Legal Planning.
• Consistently apply safeguarding thresholds appropriately.
• Monitor children at risk of neglect, abuse, exploitation, domestic violence, and other safeguarding issues.

Partnership Working

• Collaborate with:
  • Social Workers
  • Team Managers
  • Education Services
  • Health Services
  • Police
  • Multi-Agency Partners
• Provide constructive feedback when necessary.
• Promote effective multi-agency planning and accountability.
• Ensure partner agencies actively contribute to Child in Need plans and reviews.

Recording & Reporting

• Create accurate and timely review records and recommendations.
• Maintain electronic case records in compliance with data protection laws.
• Prepare reports, management information, and performance data.
• Ensure adherence to statutory timelines and expectations.

Service Development

• Contribute to audits, service reviews, and improvement initiatives.
• Identify trends and learning opportunities from Child in Need reviews.
• Support the enhancement of safeguarding practices across services.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures as needed.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
• Current HCPC Registration.
• Enhanced DBS.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in Children's Social Care.
• Strong background in safeguarding and Child in Need processes.
• Experience in chairing professional meetings and facilitating multi-agency discussions.
• Proficiency in quality assurance, auditing, reviewing, or independent oversight.
• Experience working with children and families with complex needs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of:
  • Children Act 1989
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • Child in Need Processes
  • Safeguarding Frameworks
  • Risk Assessment
  • Child Development
  • Permanence Planning
• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to provide professional challenge and independent scrutiny.
• Capability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Highly Desirable

• Previous experience as a Service Manager within Family Support and Child Protection (FSCP) Safeguarding Services.
• Experience in a Reviewing Officer, Quality Assurance, or Independent Oversight role.
• Practice Educator Award or equivalent post-qualifying training.
• Experience leading service improvement projects.
• Familiarity with local safeguarding partnership arrangements.

What's on Offer?

• 3-Month Contract
• Full-Time Hours
• HCPC Registration Required
• Enhanced DBS Required
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Opportunity to provide independent oversight across Child in Need services.
• Key role in supporting safeguarding quality assurance and practice improvement.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and safeguarding professionals.
• Influence outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Ideal candidates will have experience as a Child in Need Reviewing Officer, Independent Reviewing Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Child Protection Reviewing Officer, Safeguarding Manager, Service Manager (FSCP), Reviewing Manager, or Senior Children's Social Work Manager.

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