Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) & Child Protection Chair

About the role

The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) & Child Protection Chair will join Bury Council’s Quality Assurance and Safeguarding unit. Working independently of frontline management, the role provides objective, child‑centred oversight of statutory care planning, safeguarding protocols and multi‑agency reviews for children across the borough.

Key responsibilities

• Chair multi‑agency and departmental meetings on Child Protection plans and Looked After Children (LAC) statutory reviews, ensuring a child‑focused approach.
• Facilitate effective collaboration between internal departments and external partners such as health, education and emergency services.
• Monitor, audit and enforce compliance with national Child Protection procedures and LAC regulations.
• Produce analytical reports and recommendations to improve safeguarding outcomes.

Required profile

• Qualified Social Worker with a current registration with Social Work England.
• Extensive post‑qualifying experience in statutory Child Protection and Looked After Children services.
• Proven senior‑level experience (Senior Practitioner, Team Manager or IRO) with the ability to challenge multi‑agency partners.
• Excellent analytical writing and the confidence to chair emotionally charged professional meetings.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £40.00.
• Hybrid working model offering flexibility for review schedules and administrative duties.
• Opportunity to shape care plans and influence safeguarding outcomes within a progressive quality‑assurance framework.