Independent Reviewing Officer

Hampshire County Council; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Health Assured

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking an Independent Reviewing Officer to lead statutory reviews for children in care and chair Child Protection Conferences, ensuring robust, child-centred plans that support safety and long-term wellbeing.

You will work independently, champion high standards, and travel across Hampshire to attend meetings and complete reviews as required.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Experience leading statutory reviews and chairing CPCs.
• Strong knowledge of children's legislation and safeguarding.
• Ability to travel across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
• Experience supervising social work teams.

Responsibilities

• Chair Child Protection Conferences across Hampshire to support child-centred decisions.
• Lead statutory reviews for children in care in collaboration with families and professionals.
• Monitor implementation of care plans and child protection plans; manage risk.
• Promote excellent care planning and safeguarding practices in line with regulations.
• Provide constructive professional challenge and feedback to drive service improvement.
• Travel to attend in-person meetings and complete reviews across Hampshire and the country as required.

Skills

Leadership experience

Chair multi-agency meetings

Social work supervision

Strong communication

Flexibility and mobility

Education

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Job description

As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you'll play a vital role in improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people. You'll lead statutory reviews for children in care and chair Child Protection Conferences (CPCs), ensuring every child has a clear, robust plan that supports their safety, stability and long-term wellbeing. Working independently, you'll champion high standards across Children's Services, driving quality through strong oversight, constructive challenge and effective partnership working. Using your knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance, you'll ensure care plans are timely and truly focused on the needs of each child. Here's what one of our team members has to say: \"We are a team that cares - about children, about families, and about each other. In Hampshire's Independent Reviewing Service, you'll be supported, trusted, and empowered to work for the children who need it most.\"What you'll do:

• Chair Child Protection Conferences across Hampshire, bringing professionals together to make well-informed, child-centred decisions.
• Lead and oversee statutory reviews for children in care, working collaboratively with foster carers, residential workers, social workers and families.
• Monitor the implementation of care plans and child protection plans, ensuring needs and risk are well managed and actions are progressing in the child's best interests.
• Promote excellent care planning and safeguarding practice, ensuring compliance with regulations, legislation, policies and procedures.
• Provide constructive professional challenge and feedback, supporting continuous improvement across the service.
• Due to the nature of the role and where children may be placed, you'll also travel to attend in-person meetings and complete reviews across the country when required., You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers' licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis., We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible. Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Relevant leadership experience in children's social care, including providing social work supervision and support.
• Strong knowledge of relevant children's legislation relating to Children Looked After and Child Protection procedures.
• Able to chair multi-agency meetings, assess risks and make informed decisions in complex situations.
• Confident with offering constructive feedback and a critical, reflecting perspective based on legislation and best practice.
• Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of children and young people. Make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in care, knowing that your efforts can create a lasting impact and enhance their quality of life.
• Work in a collaborative, supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
• Enjoy flexible working options, including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid arrangements to support your work-life balance.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date. Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK. Other roles you may have experience of may include: Children's Social Work Team Manager, Children's Social Services Manager, Case Manager, Senior Social Worker, Assistant Team Manager.