Children's Independent Reviewing Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council; Swineshead; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local social services provider in the UK is seeking a passionate Social Worker to champion the voices of children and families through care planning. In this role, you will undertake reviews, engage with families, and collaborate with professionals to secure the best outcomes for children. The position offers competitive benefits, including flexible working, professional development opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Up to 40 days leave entitlement

Access to local government pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Passion for improving outcomes for children in care.
• Strong belief in children's voices in decision-making.
• Experience chairing reviews.

Responsibilities

• Undertake child in care reviews and monitor plans.
• Engage with children and families to promote their voices.
• Lead and chair reviews effectively.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Collaboration abilities

Education

Registered, qualified Social Worker

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference to children and young people's lives? Can you champion Children & Families voices through care planning? Be the difference, make a change. If you share our vision of ensuring the children of North East Lincolnshire grow up happy and healthy, safe in their homes and communities with people who love them, join our team today.

Responsibilities

• Undertake child in care reviews and monitor the progress of children's plans to ensure the best outcomes and permanency.
• Engage with children to promote their voice in plans alongside their families.
• Lead and chair reviews with confidence and organisational skill.
• Perform a quality assurance function through audit and case tracking of children's plans to support our corporate parenting responsibilities.
• Collaborate with families, professionals and services to deliver the best outcomes for children and families.
• Support and develop compassionate, relational practice within the Independent Reviewing Service.

Qualifications and Experience

• Registered, qualified Social Worker with a passion for improving outcomes for children in care.
• Strong belief in decision making with children's voices at the forefront.
• Experience chairing reviews and proven organisational and communication skills.
• Excellent relationship building and collaboration abilities.

Benefits

• Real progression opportunities within social work practice – North East Lincolnshire Council operates through grades for Independent Reviewing Officers.
• Regular individual and reflective case supervision.
• Relational approach in all aspects of practice.
• Accessible and proactive management creating conditions for social workers to flourish.
• Workplace culture supporting flexible working and the opportunity to work from home.
• Competitive salary and up to 40 days leave entitlement (including bank holidays).
• Enrolment into a local government pension scheme.
• Access to the exclusive RewardNEL platform, salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle2Work, Holiday Extra, Tusker Car Lease).
• Discounts at local coffee shops, bars, major retailers, entertainment and hotels.
• Direct access to in‑house wellbeing support and discounted car parking.
• Flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities, including fostering friendly scheme.
• Leave subject to length of service.

Application Process

• Closing date: 5th Jan 2026.
• Interviews will be held W/C 12th Jan 2026.
• Contact: Wendy Fegan, Service Manager, Independent Reviewing Service (please refer to the role profile or email).
• Required: At least one reference from your current or most recent employment, placement or work experience (if you are an agency worker at NELC, provide your agency as a reference).
• Provide a professional/company email address (personal email addresses are not accepted).
• References must cover the last 3 years; any gaps should be detailed in your enhanced reference form. References will only be requested if you are offered and have accepted a position.
• Provide a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an appropriate level. You must register with the DBS Update Service within 30 calendar days of the “date of issue” printed on your DBS certificate.
• For support with the application, contact Wendy Trask on 07702 338542 (text or call).

Equality and Diversity Statement

We regularly review data to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, transparent and promote equal opportunities for all. We also have an in‑house Equalities Champions Group that works to promote and embed inclusivity in the workplace.