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 an exceptional 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.

What You'll Do

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, ...