Independent Reviewing Officer

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624699
Salary Range: £51,948 - £57,423 per annum (inclusive of Market Supplement of £3000 per annum)
Work Location: Basingstoke, Andover, Totton or Eastleigh, Hampshire (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37 (flexible working hours will be considered)
Contract Type: 12-month fixed term contract (Maternity cover) from October 2026
Closing Date: 12 August 2026
Interview Date: 19 or 25 August 2026

The Role:

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.

What we’re looking for:

• 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.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Independent Reviewing Officer role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Why join us?

• 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.

Travel Requirements:

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.

Additional Information:

Independent Reviewing Officer Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Christa Beach, Independent Reviewing Service Lead (West Hampshire) on Christa.Beach@hants.gov.uk

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.