Independent Reviewing Officer Manager - Grade 17 (£66,378 - £68,784)

Your Croydon; Croydon; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an Independent Reviewing Officer Manager to oversee safeguarding services for looked after children. This role requires strong expertise in safeguarding, ability to chair complex meetings, and effective relationship-building with families. The position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional development. Closing date for applications is September 5th, 2025.

Benefits

Highly competitive compensation package

Accredited Systemic Practice training

29-31 days annual leave

20% pension contribution

CPD opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in safeguarding and working with looked after children.
• Ability to manage complex information and chair meetings.
• Experience with service improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide safeguarding service to looked after children.
• Supervise Fostering Independent Reviewing Officers.
• Lead reflective group supervision.

Skills

Expertise in safeguarding

Building relationships with children and families

Chairing complex meetings

Managing complex information

Research knowledge of domestic violence impacts

Adapting to changing circumstances

Overseeing social work practice

Applying evidence-based interventions

Service improvement contributions

Empowering others to develop practice

Education

Degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Independent Reviewing Officer Manager – Croydon Council

Salary: Grade 17 - £66,378-£68,784
6m Fixed Term / Secondment, 36 hours per week

Hybrid working

Job Purpose

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing a safeguarding and reviewing service to children and young people who are looked after. To provide advice and consultation on issues of care planning and quality of services to all agencies involved in caring for looked after children and young people. To ensure that children and young people who are looked after receiving the services to which they are entitled. The successful candidate will:

Supervise 2 Fostering Independent Reviewing Officers

Lead reflective group supervision with FIRO and IRO

Essential Requirements

Expertise in safeguarding, and working with children looked after.
Highly skilled in building relationships with children and their families, and ensuring a child’s voice is central to all work.
Experience in chairing complex meetings.
The ability to manage complex information, contribute to plans and achieve excellent outcomes in service delivery.
Research knowledge of the impact on children of domestic violence, parental drug abuse and mental health.
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and transfer chairing skills to a variety of settings and requirements.
Experience of overseeing social work practice, preferably at managerial level.
Experience of applying evidence-based interventions.
Experience of contributing to service improvement initiatives.
Experience of enabling and empowering others to develop their practice.

Why Join Us

Our team consists of experienced, dedicated practitioners.
We meet regularly to make sure everyone we work with has the support and knowledge needed to make a difference and be the difference to our families, communities and colleagues.
At Croydon relationships matter and we are about strong partnerships and working together to make lasting positive change.
We are an established team who can help you settle in and offer advice and expertise.
You will have the support of an experienced and knowledgeable management team.
You will have access to a busy, buzzy, committed workforce and work environment. Opportunities to work from home and work flexibly provides you with more work-life balance.
Opportunities to think together with your manager about career development
Support to help you grow, develop, learn and lead.
Croydon’s work in children’s social care is underpinned by our systemic practice model, with opportunities for further training in this.
Croydon’s children’s services recently achieved a ‘Good’ grading at the last Ofsted inspection.

Benefits

You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough. We also offer:

Highly competitive compensation package

Accredited Systemic Practice training

A range of CPD opportunities

29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more

A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%

Continuing Professional Development – genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career

Management development programmes

Investment into your wellbeing

Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, Retail Discounts and more)

We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance

To view the role profile click here

Closing date: Friday 5th September 2025 @ 11.59pm

Disclaimer

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.The Successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Additional Information