Children's Independent Reviewing Officer – Safeguarding

About the role

Our client, Manchester City Council, is seeking a Children's Independent Reviewing Officer to join the Safeguarding team. The role involves chairing multi‑agency child protection meetings, developing SMART plans and ensuring the child's best interests are central to decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Chair complex multi‑agency child protection meetings, analyse risk and produce SMART safeguarding plans.
• Facilitate the participation of children, young people and parents/carers in meetings with sensitive communication.
• Quality assure, challenge and evaluate the effectiveness of child protection and multi‑agency plans, using dispute resolution processes as needed.
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with colleagues while maintaining independence and prioritising the child's interests.
• Monitor Local Authority performance as a Corporate Parent through independent scrutiny and oversight of cases.
• Deliver high‑quality single‑agency and multi‑agency training on Child in Need, Child Protection and Looked‑After Children.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to develop policy and procedures for single and multi‑agency work.
• Independently evaluate plans and make decisions that safeguard children and promote welfare.
• Promote diversity and equal access in employment, service delivery and communications.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience in child protection or safeguarding within a local authority or similar setting.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining collaborative relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to assess risk and develop effective safeguarding plans.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly when engaging with children, families and professionals.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and service improvement.
• Ability to champion diversity, equality and inclusion in all aspects of work.

Required skills

What we offer

• Personal one‑to‑one service from a dedicated consultant.
• Access to top‑tier roles across London and the North West.
• Referral bonus of up to £250 per successful placement.
• Double payrolls each week.
• APSCo Standard agency committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups.
• Equal‑opportunity employer welcoming diverse applicants.