Independent Reviewing Officer; IRO & Child Protection Chair

Overview

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) & Child Protection Chair – London Borough of Hackney

Service:
Safeguarding & Quality Assurance

Rate: £45.20 per hour, ASAP Start needed

Hackney Council is seeking a Dual IRO and Child Protection Chair to join our Children & Families Service. This is a key leadership role for an authoritative social work professional who is committed to high‑quality safeguarding practice, anti‑racist values, and improving outcomes for children.

You will independently chair Child Protection Conferences, Looked After Children Reviews, and Foster Carer Annual Reviews, ensuring the child’s voice and lived experience remain central to all decision‑making. As a senior safeguarding professional, you will provide rigorous oversight, challenge practice where needed, and drive high‑quality multi‑agency work.

• Chair Child Protection Conferences and make clear, evidence‑based threshold decisions on significant harm.
• Chair Looked After Child (LAC) Reviews with a systemic, trauma‑informed and anti‑racist approach.
• Chair Foster Carer Annual Reviews, ensuring compliance with National Minimum Standards.
• Provide independent scrutiny on care planning and safeguarding practice, challenging drift or delay.
• Hold the local authority to account and escalate concerns up to Chief Executive level and CAFCASS where required.
• Build trusted, respectful relationships with children, families and carers, ensuring rights are upheld and voices heard.
• Work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners to drive high‑quality safeguarding practice across the network.
• Contribute to policy development, training, audits and continuous improvement of social work standards.

• A qualified social worker with Social Work England registration and 5+ years post‑qualifying experience.
• Deep knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Working Together 2023, IRO Handbook, London Child Protection Procedures, and National Fostering Standards.
• Strong ability to analyse complex information, make authoritative decisions, and provide independent challenge.
• Experience in statutory child protection and looked‑after processes, with the ability to lead complex meetings.
• A practitioner who role‑models systemic, trauma‑informed, and anti‑racist practice.
• Confident communication and relationship‑management skills across all levels, including senior leaders.
• A commitment to ensuring children s rights, safeguarding, and high‑quality social work intervention.
• 3 years Perm Experience (DFE)

Apply now to join Hackney s Safeguarding & Reviewing Team as a Dual IRO & CP Chair and help drive exceptional outcomes for children. Get in touch with Jordan Peat, Talent Partner.

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