Independent Reviewing Officer

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) Full-time - 36 hours per week £45.20 per hour (Umbrella) 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 As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you will: 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 To be considered, you will have: 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