reviewing officer

Job Purpose
To provide independent oversight and review of Child in Need (CIN) plans for children and families receiving services under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. The post holder will ensure that plans are child-focused, outcome-driven, and effectively safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The Child in Need Reviewing Officer will chair and facilitate Child in Need review meetings, monitor progress against agreed plans, challenge drift and delay, and promote high standards of practice across safeguarding teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Child in Need Reviews
  Chair Child in Need review meetings in accordance with local procedures and statutory requirements. Ensure the child's voice, wishes, feelings, and lived experiences are central to all reviews and decision-making. Monitor the effectiveness of Child in Need plans and assess whether outcomes are being achieved. Evaluate whether interventions are reducing risk and improving outcomes for children and families. Ensure review meetings are inclusive, involving children, parents, carers, and relevant professionals.
• Quality Assurance and Practice Oversight
  Provide independent scrutiny of Child in Need plans and associated assessments. Identify and challenge drift, delay, or inadequate planning. Escalate concerns where safeguarding risks are not being appropriately managed. Promote evidence-based practice and compliance with legislation, policy, and procedures. Support continuous improvement through audit findings and practice recommendations.
• Safeguarding Responsibilities
  Monitor safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate actions are taken to protect children. Identify cases where escalation to Child Protection procedures or legal planning may be required. Ensure thresholds for intervention are consistently applied. Maintain oversight of children who may be vulnerable to neglect, abuse, exploitation, domestic abuse, parental substance misuse, or other safeguarding risks.
• Partnership Working
  Work collaboratively with social workers, managers, education, health, police, and other partner agencies. Foster constructive professional challenge where required. Promote effective multi-agency planning and accountability. Ensure agencies contribute appropriately to Child in Need plans and reviews.
• Recording and Reporting
  Produce clear, accurate, and timely review records and recommendations. Maintain accurate electronic records in accordance with data protection requirements. Prepare reports and management information as required. Monitor compliance with timescales and statutory expectations.
• Service Development
  Contribute to quality assurance activities, audits, and service improvement initiatives. Identify themes, trends, and learning from Child in Need reviews. Support the development of good practice across safeguarding services. Contribute to policy and procedure development where appropriate.
• General Responsibilities
  Comply with safeguarding policies and procedures at all times. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery. Maintain professional registration and continuous professional development. Adhere to professional standards, codes of conduct, and organisational values. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and purpose of the post.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications
Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent). Registration with the relevant professional regulator (e.g., Social Work England).

Essential Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and associated legislation. Understanding of Working Together to Safeguard Children. Knowledge of Child in Need processes and safeguarding frameworks. Understanding of child development, risk assessment, and permanence planning. Knowledge of multi-agency safeguarding practice.

Essential Experience
Significant post-qualification experience in children's social care. Experience of safeguarding and Child in Need casework. Experience of chairing professional meetings and facilitating multi-agency discussions. Experience of quality assurance, auditing, or reviewing practice. Experience of working with children and families with complex needs.