Independent Reviewing Officer

Do you see yourself empowering children and young people to have a voice?

Can you use your experience to drive high‑quality, child‑centred practice?

Does the idea of joining a supportive and ambitious team inspire you?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

Our Children’s Services team is looking for a passionate and dedicated Independent Reviewing Officer to help make a real difference today.

About the Role:

As an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO), you will play a vital role in improving outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. You will:

• Chair Looked After Reviews and ensure every child in care has a clear, timely and high‑quality plan.
• Promote/protect the rights of children/young people, ensuring their views meaningfully shape decisions and care planning.
• Write child‑friendly, meaningful letters and review minutes that reflect each child’s voice and experience.
• Provide rigorous oversight of care planning, documenting your footprint on children’s files.
• Offer constructive challenge to ensure high‑quality practice across agencies.

About You:

You will be a confident and motivated professional who is passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children. You will bring:

• Confidence to challenge respectfully, resolve disputes, and drive high-quality multi‑agency practice.
• At least 5 years post‑qualifying experience working with Children and Families, ideally including some management responsibility.
• Strong understanding of legislation and statutory guidance related to:
  - Looked after children, children’s rights and participation, family court processes, local authority responsibilities
• Experience chairing multi‑agency meetings and navigating professional disagreements
• Flexibility to travel/work across different locations.

About the Team:

You will be joining a skilled, supportive and ambitious team committed to improving the lives of children in care. We value:

• A culture of learning, reflection and professional respect.
• High aspiration for every child and young person.
• Collaborative working with social workers, managers and partner agencies.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous improvement.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Clare Ryan at email clare.ryan@southwark.gov.uk

Additional Information:

You should have:

• First degree in Social Work or any social work qualification degree.
• Be registered withSocial Work England.
  
• Hours of work, 36 hours per week.
• Fixed term contract until end of September 2026.

This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced Adults' and Children's (Barred) level.

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment Timeline:

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Monday 20 April 2026

Shortlisting date: Wednesday 22nd April 2026

Interview date: Week Commencing Monday 27 April 2026

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.