Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Hackney, London
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: