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- Tasks: Lead Child Protection Conferences and ensure children's voices are central to decision-making.
- Company: Join Hackney's dedicated Children Services team focused on safeguarding and quality assurance.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and a commitment to professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment that values independence and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while championing anti-racist and trauma-informed practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with at least 5 years of experience in child protection.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Hackney (Hybrid)
Rate: £45.20ph Umbrella
Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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
- Provide independent professional challenge and escalate concerns where required, including to senior leadership and CAFCASS
- Quality assure social work practice and contribute to service improvement
- Promote and role‑model systemic, trauma‑informed and anti‑racist practice
- Work effectively with partner agencies to avoid drift and delay
About You
You will be an experienced children's social work professional who brings credibility, confidence and strong statutory knowledge to a complex safeguarding environment.
Essential requirements:
- Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
- Minimum 5 years post‑qualifying experience, including management‑level responsibility
- 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
- Proven ability to challenge practice constructively at senior level
- Commitment to anti‑racist, anti‑oppressive and trauma‑informed practice
Why Work with Hackney?
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.
To Apply:
Get in touch with QSW Talent Partner, Jordan Peat, (url removed).
Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Chair employer: Connect2Hackney
Contact Detail:
Connect2Hackney Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Chair
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with 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 interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles, especially when it comes to chairing Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Reviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commitment to anti-racist and trauma-informed practice during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've championed children's voices and ensured their lived experiences are central to decision-making.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Chair
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 responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experiences, especially those related to chairing Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Reviews. We’re looking for solid examples that demonstrate your expertise and understanding of safeguarding.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your thoughts, as we appreciate directness and clarity in communication. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
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. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team!
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, such as the Children Act 1989 and the IRO Handbook. Being able to reference these during your interview will show that you have a solid understanding of the legal framework and can apply it effectively in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully 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 capability and confidence in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Working
Since this role involves working with various partner agencies, be ready to discuss your experience in multi-agency settings. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and avoided drift and delay in care planning, showcasing your ability to work effectively within a team.
✨Champion Anti-Racist Practice
Given the emphasis on anti-racist and trauma-informed practice, be prepared to discuss your commitment to these values. Share any relevant training or experiences that highlight your dedication to promoting equality and inclusivity in your work with children and families.