At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful reviews for children's care, ensuring their voices are heard and prioritised.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Hackney, a forward-thinking authority dedicated to children's wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with a focus on anti-racist and trauma-informed practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while promoting equality and safeguarding.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification, 5+ years experience, and strong advocacy skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
The London Borough of Hackney is 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.
Independent Reviewing Officer. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
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 are empowered to influence service development while collaborating with multi-agency partners. The role provides meaningful opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of children and families within the community.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of children's safeguarding and quality assurance. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of key legislation, especially the Children Act 1989. Be ready to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in real-life scenarios. We want to see your passion for safeguarding and how you can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with Looked After Children during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've influenced care planning and decision-making. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to improving outcomes for children.
✨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 and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that Independent Reviewing Officer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with looked after children and statutory review processes. We want to see how your skills align with the role of an Independent Reviewing Officer, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Skills:Use specific examples to demonstrate your report writing, analytical, and decision-making skills. We love seeing how you’ve challenged practices and influenced stakeholders in your previous roles, so make it clear!
Highlight Your Commitment:Emphasise your dedication to safeguarding and equality. We’re looking for someone who shares our values, so let us know how you’ve promoted anti-racist and trauma-informed practices in your work.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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 fantastic opportunity with Hackney.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with Looked After Children and statutory review processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your management-level experience effectively.
✨Emphasise Child-Centred Practice
Since this role is all about ensuring children’s voices are central, be ready to discuss how you’ve prioritised child-centred approaches in your previous roles. Share instances where you’ve successfully advocated for children’s needs and how you’ve influenced care planning.
✨Prepare for Challenging Questions
Expect questions that test your ability to challenge practice and influence senior stakeholders. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to escalate concerns or drive improvements. This will show your commitment to safeguarding and your ability to navigate complex situations.
