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- Tasks: Lead Child Protection Conferences and ensure children's voices are central to decision-making.
- Company: Join Hackney Council's Children & Families Service, committed to high-quality safeguarding.
- Benefits: Earn £45.20 per hour with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful safeguarding practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with 5+ years of experience and strong knowledge of child protection laws.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and anti-racist values.
The predicted salary is between 45 - 45 £ per hour.
Hackney Council is seeking a Dual IRO and Child Protection Chair to join our Children & Families Service. This is a key leadership role for an authoritative social work professional who is committed to high-quality safeguarding practice, anti-racist values, and improving outcomes for children.
You will independently chair Child Protection Conferences, Looked After Children Reviews, and Foster Carer Annual Reviews, ensuring the child’s voice and lived experience remain central to all decision-making. As a senior safeguarding professional, you will provide rigorous oversight, challenge practice where needed, and drive high-quality multi-agency work.
Responsibilities:- Chair Child Protection Conferences and make clear, evidence-based threshold decisions on significant harm.
- Chair Looked After Child (LAC) Reviews with a systemic, trauma-informed and anti-racist approach.
- Chair Foster Carer Annual Reviews, ensuring compliance with National Minimum Standards.
- Provide independent scrutiny on care planning and safeguarding practice, challenging drift or delay.
- Hold the local authority to account and escalate concerns up to Chief Executive level and CAFCASS where required.
- Build trusted, respectful relationships with children, families and carers, ensuring rights are upheld and voices heard.
- Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners to drive high-quality safeguarding practice across the network.
- Contribute to policy development, training, audits and continuous improvement of social work standards.
- A qualified social worker with Social Work England registration and 5+ years post-qualifying experience.
- Deep knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Working Together 2023, IRO Handbook, London Child Protection Procedures, and National Fostering Standards.
- Strong ability to analyse complex information, make authoritative decisions, and provide independent challenge.
- Experience in statutory child protection and looked-after processes, with the ability to lead complex meetings.
- A practitioner who role-models systemic, trauma-informed, and anti-racist practice.
- Confident communication and relationship-management skills across all levels, including senior leaders.
- A commitment to ensuring children’s rights, safeguarding, and high-quality social work intervention.
How to apply: Apply now to join Hackney's Safeguarding & Reviewing Team as a Dual IRO & CP Chair and help drive exceptional outcomes for children. Get in touch with Jordan Peat, Talent Partner.
Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) & Child Protection Chair in City of London employer: Connect2Hackney
Contact Detail:
Connect2Hackney Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) & Child Protection Chair in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with safeguarding and child protection. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions or challenge practices. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and show off your expertise in child protection.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for safeguarding! During interviews, share your commitment to anti-racist values and how you ensure children's voices are heard. This will resonate well with Hackney Council's mission and demonstrate that you're the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for dedicated professionals like you to join our team and make a difference in children's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) & Child Protection Chair in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in safeguarding and child protection. We want to see how your skills align with the role of an Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Chair.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your hands-on experience in chairing meetings and making evidence-based decisions. We’re looking for real-life examples that demonstrate your ability to lead complex discussions.
Highlight Your Values: Since we value anti-racist practices and high-quality safeguarding, make sure to reflect these values in your application. Share any relevant training or initiatives you’ve been involved in that support these principles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board as part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children Act 1989, Working Together 2023, and the IRO Handbook. Being able to reference these during your interview will show that you’re not just familiar with the laws but also understand how they apply in practice.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully chaired meetings or made significant decisions. Highlight your ability to analyse complex information and provide independent challenge, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey your commitment to children's rights and safeguarding in a way that resonates with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Hackney Council values anti-racist practices and high-quality safeguarding. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how you would promote them within the team and the wider community.
