At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Child Protection Conferences and ensure children's voices are heard in decision-making.
- Company: Join Hackney's dedicated Children Services team focused on safeguarding and quality assurance.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a hybrid work model and commitment to professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a service that values anti-racist practice and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while championing their rights and experiences.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child protection and strong statutory knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Hackney (Hybrid)
Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week
Start Date: ASAP
We are currently seeking an experienced and authoritative Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Chair to join the Children Services Safeguarding & Quality Assurance team. This is a key statutory role, responsible for independently chairing Child Protection Conferences, Looked After Children Reviews, and Foster Carer Annual Reviews, ensuring that children’s voices, lived experiences, and best interests remain central to all decision-making.
You will provide robust professional challenge, quality assurance, and scrutiny of care planning, holding the Local Authority and partner agencies to account to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
- Chair multi-agency Child Protection Conferences, LAC Reviews, and Foster Carer Annual Reviews
- Make clear, defensible threshold decisions in relation to risk and significant harm
- Ensure high-quality, timely care planning and statutory compliance
- Champion children’s voices and lived experiences in all forums
- Quality assure social work practice and contribute to service improvement
You will be an experienced children’s social work professional who brings credibility, confidence and strong statutory knowledge to a complex safeguarding environment.
- Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
- Significant experience chairing Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Reviews
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance including the Children Act 1989, IRO Handbook, Working Together, and London Child Protection Procedures
Hackney is proud of its strong social work values, commitment to anti-racist practice, and focus on continuous improvement. You will be joining a service that values professional independence, reflective practice and collaborative working to improve outcomes for children and families.
Get in touch with QSW Talent Partner, Jordan Peat.
Independent Reviewing & Child Protection Officer in City of London employer: Connect2Hackney
Contact Detail:
Connect2Hackney Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing & Child Protection Officer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the child protection field on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance. We recommend having real-life examples ready to showcase your experience in chairing Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Reviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values, like Hackney’s commitment to anti-racist practice. We suggest applying through our website to streamline your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe it’s all about making a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing & Child Protection Officer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the role of Independent Reviewing Officer. We want to see how your background aligns with our commitment to safeguarding and quality assurance.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of relevant legislation and guidance, like the Children Act 1989 and the IRO Handbook. We’re looking for someone who can confidently navigate the complexities of child protection, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Your Experience: Share specific examples from your past roles where you’ve chaired Child Protection Conferences or Looked After Reviews. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills and how you’ve made a difference in children’s lives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this important role in our team. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation and guidance relevant to the role, like the Children Act 1989 and the IRO Handbook. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and understanding of the statutory framework.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've chaired Child Protection Conferences or Looked After Reviews. Highlight how you ensured children's voices were heard and how you managed complex situations. This will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Working
Since this role involves multi-agency collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've worked with different stakeholders in the past. Share examples of how you’ve built relationships and navigated challenges to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Reflect on Continuous Improvement
Hackney values continuous improvement, so think about how you've contributed to service enhancement in your previous roles. Be prepared to discuss any initiatives you've led or been part of that aimed at improving social work practice and outcomes for children.