At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child-focused reviews and ensure high-quality care planning for vulnerable children.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Hackney, a forward-thinking authority dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, collaborative environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for influence and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in improving outcomes for children and championing anti-racist practices.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification, 5+ years experience, and strong safeguarding commitment required.
The predicted salary is between 45 - 45 £ per hour.
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
- 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
- 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: Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Independent Reviewing Officer employer: Connect2Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is an exceptional employer for Independent Reviewing Officers, offering a dynamic and values-driven work environment dedicated to improving outcomes for children. With a strong commitment to anti-racist and trauma-informed practices, employees benefit from collaborative multi-agency working, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to influence service quality and development in children's safeguarding. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Hackney.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience as Independent Reviewing Officers. They can provide insights and may even know about job openings that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and IRO statutory guidance. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure child-centred care planning and challenge practices effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your report writing and analytical skills during interviews. Bring examples of reports you've written or decisions you've influenced, as this will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to safeguarding.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer
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 the key responsibilities and values outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience, especially your work with Looked After Children and statutory review processes. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to challenge practices and influence stakeholders effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your thoughts, and make sure your report writing skills shine through. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us without any hiccups, and you can easily track its progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on key legislation like the Children Act 1989 and IRO statutory guidance. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you understand how they impact your role as an Independent Reviewing Officer.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances from your past experience where you’ve successfully challenged practice or influenced senior stakeholders. Having these examples ready will help you demonstrate your skills and commitment to safeguarding and equality during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Child-Centred Approach
Since this role is all about ensuring children’s voices are central, be prepared to discuss how you’ve prioritised children’s wellbeing in your previous roles. Share stories that highlight your ability to chair effective meetings and promote positive outcomes for looked after children.
✨Engage with Multi-Agency Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with multi-agency partners. Be ready to discuss how you’ve coordinated support for children and families, and how you can contribute to a collaborative environment at Hackney. This will show that you’re a team player who values effective communication.
