Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Chair
Location: Hackney (Hybrid)
Rate: £45.20ph Umbrella
Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role
We are currently seeking an experienced and authoritative Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Chair to join the Children Services Safeguarding & Quality Assurance team.
This is a key statutory role, responsible for independently chairing Child Protection Conferences, Looked After Children Reviews, and Foster Carer Annual Reviews, ensuring that children's voices, lived experiences, and best interests remain central to all decision‑making.
You will provide robust professional challenge, quality assurance, and scrutiny of care planning, holding the Local Authority and partner agencies to account to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
* Chair multi‑agency Child Protection Conferences, LAC Reviews, and Foster Carer Annual Reviews
* Make clear, defensible threshold decisions in relation to risk and significant harm
* Ensure high‑quality, timely care planning and statutory compliance
* Champion children's voices and lived experiences in all forums
* Provide independent professional challenge and escalating concerns where required, including to senior leadership and CAFCASS
* Quality assure social work practice and contribute to service improvement
* Promote and role‑model systemic, trauma‑informed and anti‑racist practice
* Work effectively with partner agencies to avoid drift and delay
About You
You will be an experienced children's social work professional who brings credibility, confidence and strong statutory knowledge to a complex safeguarding environment.
Essential Requirements
* Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
* Minimum 5 years post‑qualifying experience, including management‑level responsibility
* Significant experience chairing Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Reviews
* Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance including the Children Act 1989, IRO Handbook, Working Together, and London Child Protection Procedures
* Proven ability to challenge practice constructively at senior level
* Commitment to anti‑racist, anti‑oppressive and trauma‑informed practice
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